Free school meals to be provided for Kirklees families over Easter holidays

The decision means more than 15,000 children and young people in Kirklees will not have to go hungry during the two-week holiday period sat the Council.

Eligible pupils’ families will receive vouchers worth £15 per child per week – an investment of over £450,000 to support wellbeing and reduce inequality.

Councillor Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council said: “Although the national roadmap towards ending lockdown has given reason for optimism about the future, many people are still struggling financially.

“Nutrition is just as vital during school holidays as during term time. A healthy diet is critical to children’s development and our commitment remains that no child should go hungry.

“By ensuring there is no break in the free school meals system over Easter, Kirklees Council will once again provide an essential service so that no child gets left behind.

“A year into the pandemic, it is still the poorest families who are struggling the most. We will gladly support them again and tackle this inequality, helping our children to enjoy the best start in life and helping families at an incredibly difficult time.”

The council has provided free school meal vouchers in previous school holidays and is also operating the Local Welfare Provision scheme for anyone in short-term crisis.