Teachers’ unions in the UK have welcomed a government decision which declares that families who are eligible for FSM (Free School Meals) will be able to continue to receive financial support to buy food throughout the coming Easter holidays.
Ministers said that qualifying families could claim shopping vouchers of £15 a week – per child – during the term time.
Now, the scheme will be extended in England over the coming two-week holiday.
The unions said that the move would help to prevent children from going hungry, as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
Over the weekend, Cabinet Office Minister, Michael Gove, confirmed that the vouchers would continue to be paid over the Easter holiday.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT
Union said he was pleased to see the government “taking action to support some of the most vulnerable children.
“We know that for many children, school lunch is often their only hot meal for the day and, in some cases, their only meal – full stop.
“The government is doing the right thing in stepping up and making sure that all children can continue to access the food they – in many cases, desperately – need”
Families are being issued with either an electronic voucher or gift card worth £15 to spend in M&S, Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Waitrose.
