Sefton Council is once again supporting families over half term by providing £15 supermarket vouchers per child, per week to those eligible for free school meals.

Distributed through schools, the vouchers are valid in local supermarkets and online. They can be used to buy food and essentials.

Benefitting Local Families

School holiday vouchers have been made possible through Sefton Council’s Household Support Fund. The scheme has been running for a number of years and has benefitted over 9,000 local families.

Support should continue over the school break too.

Cllr Diane Roscoe, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families said: “Free school meal vouchers in term time mean that children are ready to learn at school and families know their child is getting a healthy meal at lunchtime. We have always believed that this support should continue over the school break too.

“Families in Sefton appreciate this support and these vouchers offer practical help and peace of mind to parents who might otherwise be worrying about providing regular meals for their children during the break.

“Not only are we providing financial support over the half term break but we know keeping the kids entertained over the break can be expensive too. Our Family Hubs are the centre of our communities and also provide opportunities for children to socialise as well as a place for families to find a whole range of support.”

Find out more and apply

Families can find out more and apply online at www.sefton.gov.uk/free-school-meals

Families who need further financial support can access support services through the Sefton Support Hub, including:

• Help with welfare benefits, rent and Council Tax
• Debt advice
• Access to foodbanks and food pantries
• Guidance on health and wellbeing
• Emergency support through the Emergency Limited Assistance Scheme (ELAS) – a one-off grant available to residents facing severe hardship or crisis

Residents can access full details and apply for free school meals or support at www.sefton.gov.uk/costofliving