Sandwell Council will be funding free school meals to those families who are eligible during the Christmas holidays. Parents and carers will be contacted through their child's school and will receive vouchers to go towards the cost of food for the two week break.
Councillor Wasim Ali, cabinet member for resources and core services, said: "We want to ensure no child goes hungry this Christmas and so by providing vouchers to eligible families we can at least help with the cost of a meal.
"We don't have endless funds but we have managed to find enough money to help families for the upcoming Christmas break.
"I encourage all those families who are eligible to take up this offer and contact their child's school for details.
"I would like to thank all of our schools for their help and support in getting these vouchers to those families who need them."
Councillor Maria Crompton, Sandwell Council's deputy leader, added: "The pandemic has hit our families hard in Sandwell but we hope these vouchers will make things a little easier for those who are struggling this Christmas."
Once verified, vouchers will be sent to parents electronically with an alternative being offered to those parents without mobile phones or internet access.
Sandwell Council has budgeted £525,000 to help around 17,500 children. Eligible families will receive a voucher for £15 per week, per child.
For more details parents are advised to contact their child's school.
