Bedford Borough Council provide school holiday food vouchers

Bedford Borough Council will be providing vouchers to families with children eligible for income related free school meals.

Funded through the Household Support Fund, the Council will provide households £50 per eligible child or young person in Bedford Borough for the school holiday.

The £50 is made up from £15 per week to support a daily meal and a supplementary £10 per week allocation, which is being provided to help off-set any extra spend on utility bills and other household expenses.

Councillor Michael Headley, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Welfare said, "It is vitally important to us all that no child goes hungry in Bedford Borough. We know what a difference this help can make especially now as we move into colder winter months and with the rising cost of food, energy and other essential items. Hopefully this support will mean children and young people in the Borough can enjoy their Christmas without families worrying about where their child's next meal is coming from."

Children are eligible for the vouchers if their family receives one of the benefits listed below:

• Universal Credit - with an annual earned income of no more than £7,400 after tax
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
• Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for the four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
• Child Tax Credit (with no Working Tax Credit) with an annual gross income of no more than £16,190
• Early Years Pupil Premium
• 2 Year Old Funding

Families with eligible children will receive their vouchers as they have previously, via an email or through their school or setting distribution process.

The Council and Bedford Borough schools are encouraging more families to register and apply for free school meals, so that they begin to receive the support they need.

To find out if you are eligible and to register for free school meals visit www.bedford.gov.uk/schools-education-and-childcare/education-welfare-service/free-school-meals/