FAMILIES across Tameside will receive vital support over the Summer months as Tameside Council establishes a free school meals voucher scheme worth £90 per eligible child.
Families on income based free school meals in the borough can use the one-off supermarket food voucher for essential supplies at local supermarkets. The scheme is also available to care leavers, under 5s in low income families and entitled to free child care and low income sixth form and college students.
The Council has provided additional ‘top up’ funding, to enhance the Covid Local Support Grant provided by government to ensure that vulnerable children are supported throughout the summer holiday period.
Tameside Council Executive Leader, Cllr Brenda Warrington, said: “It has been an exceptionally hard 12 months for families in Tameside with all the challenges and hardships that the pandemic has thrown at them. I am delighted we can offer the free school meals voucher as this is a way in which we can help children and families most in need at this critical time.”
Cllr Leanne Feeley, Executive Member for Lifelong Learning, added: “We are pleased to be able to provide these vouchers to ensure that no child goes hungry during the school holidays. We have ensured we provide additional funding on top of the government scheme and are committed to providing ongoing support to families from the earliest point that help maybe required. We have a range of local support and provision and plenty of exciting free activities planned over the summer months for everyone to enjoy.”
Schools and other education providers will work with the Council to distribute vouchers before the end of term. Any families who are not eligible for free school meals but are in need of support should contact the Early Help Team on 0161 342 4260 for support and advice.
For all the free summer events visit www.tameside.gov.uk/familysummer21