Free school meals for Kirklees children during holidays
Following the Government’s refusal to provide funds for free school meals during school holidays, Kirklees Council has confirmed it will.
This decision means more than 14,000 children in Kirklees will not have to go hungry during holidays.
Although it’s not been possible to get Free School Meal vouchers ready for the start of half-term on 26 October 2020, the money usually received through the scheme will be paid to eligible families retrospectively.
There is also immediate food support and help available for families who need it during the upcoming half-term. They just need to contact our free-phone support line by calling 08004561114.
Free School Meals will then be in place for the Christmas school holidays and will be available for children who normally receive them during school time.
Councillor Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “At this time of national crisis, I would have hoped that the Government would have stepped up to support those who are struggling the most, but they didn’t.
“Kirklees Council will step up and it’s also great to see so many businesses and voluntary organisations doing their bit to support our children. This is testament to our togetherness and our joint commitment to make sure no child goes hungry.
“I am in no doubt that this is the right thing to do, with the poorest families struggling the most in the backdrop of this pandemic. Over the last few months, we have seen COVID-19 have a disproportionate impact on those struggling on low incomes.
“This crisis has highlighted the magnitude of the problem for families who are struggling to make ends meet.”
Councillor Carole Pattison, Cabinet Member for Learning, Aspiration and Communities at Kirklees Council, said: “This means more than 14,000 children will not go hungry in Kirklees. It’s one of the easiest decisions we have had to make. We’re committed to giving children the best start in life and nutrition is vital to this.
“I’m deeply disappointed in the Government for failing to provide meals to hungry children during the holidays.
“Hunger does not end when schools break up. We will not sit by as children go hungry in Kirklees.
“We will never forget or ignore the struggles people are going through right now and if the Government won’t provide the funds to feed hungry children during holidays, we will.
“I’d like to thank Marcus Rashford for the outstanding work he’s doing in being a voice for those that desperately need support.”
well done kirklees wish you the best
Well done kirklees and thank you so much for helping us. Your our heroes.
Well done Kirklees
Excellent news and also thanks to Mr Marcus Rashford for his campaign. Jamil Akhtar
Excellent kirkless no child should go without a meal
I would gladly see council tax increase to feed children that this government ignores
It shouldn’t be as it is funded by the Govt. Unfortunately, the issue has been ‘amended’ to try and obtain political gain.
You are correct – the Govt have funded this. Its very misleading isn’t it?
Its very sad news
Well done, Kirklees.
Marcus rashford is a hero to many young children what he as done is amazing, the government shud be ashamed of them self its disgusting not feeding kids wen they need it ,but then again what do you expect from a government who carnt even run are country propley, they shud be held accountable for the massive death toll in r country disgusting
Ok
Please let’s all sign the petition and at least make our voices heard!
Amazing. Well done Kirklees
Commend your decision to support the children of our area.
Nice one Kirklees and Carole Pattison in particular. I think our Council is just GREAT!!
Hope my council tax won’t be increased.
Thank you for helping our families in need❤️
Well done Kirklees
Amazing. Thank you Kirklees council – myself and my family have been deeply upset by this decision so I’m so grateful that you’ve made the children in our area the priority that they should be.
I was under the impression central government had provided extra money to local authorities to support the families who were struggling .Feed the children from this.What is needed is a system to make sure the money goes to where it should be going and that is into the kids bellies.
Well done. Brilliant to see Kirklees making a stand on this.
Well done Kirklees. This is a pleasant surprise!
Well done KC , a brilliant way to support the families in your area !
Brilliant news. I hope the government is shamed into funding this.