Advertisement

Emergency food vouchers announced for kids over half term holiday and how to get yours

Vouchers can be spent in supermarkets, to help with feeding children.
Vouchers can be spent in supermarkets, to help with feeding children.

DUE TO the change in government funding, action is being taken by the Isle of Wight Council to support those families in greatest need over the half term break.

A one-off emergency food voucher scheme announced today (Thursday) is aimed at helping households in urgent need over this half term.

Only yesterday, free meal vouchers had been stopped, so the news will be welcomed by families struggling with the cost of living

It will provide a voucher of £15 per child which can be spent in local supermarkets.

Eligible families must apply directly to the council before 4pm on Wednesday, June 1, to claim their voucher for the half term week, which can be emailed or posted out.

The scheme is available to:

  • families eligible for benefits-related free school meals

  • children with a social worker

  • children open to early help

  • 2 to 4 year-olds eligible for Early Years Pupil Premium

Families can check their eligibility and apply by contacting the council's COVID-19 Helpline on (01983) 823600.

Cllr Debbie Andre, Cabinet member for children's services, said: "We appreciate what a difference the food voucher scheme made to families with school age children.

"We are offering a one-off opportunity for families who are in greatest need to receive a £15 voucher per child for this half term by contacting us directly.

"We are currently working with partners to further develop the range of support that will help Island residents who are finding it hard to make ends meet."

For further advice and support, call the Citizens Advice line on 0800 144 88 48.

Useful websites are:

islehelp.me

citizensadviceiw.org.uk

https://keeptheislandsafe.org/support

Connect 4 Communities - Islefindit