Following what the Prime Minister’s spokesperson
outlined earlier today, the government has announced a Covid Summer
Food Fund which will be a one-off scheme in response to the unique
circumstances many families face during these unprecedented times.
The Education Secretary will outline more details in the House this
afternoon on the matter.
Education Secretary said:
“This is a unique and hugely challenging period, which we know
will have a profound impact on people’s lives.
“We are listening to those who need the most help, and taking
unprecedented action to make sure no child goes hungry during
this period.
“Today we are announcing a new Covid Summer Food Fund which will
support children who are eligible for free school meals. This
adds to the wide range of support this government has put in
place to support families, not just at school but through our
welfare system, in funding for local services, and via a new
welfare assistance scheme to help those who are
struggling.”
Background
· The
Covid Summer Food Fund will be a one-off scheme in response to
the unique circumstances many families face. There are no plans
for the scheme to continue beyond summer, and those eligible will
be those already on free school meals.
· The
scheme will support children who are eligible for free school
meals with a voucher to cover the full six week summer holiday
beginning next month, which schools will be able to order before
the end of term.
· The
Education Secretary will confirm further details on the Covid
Summer Food Fund to the House today (Tuesday 16 June) and full
details will be set out in guidance to schools shortly.
· Vouchers
will be provided via the existing system run by Edenred, which
will run until the end of the summer term. Schools will be asked
to put in orders for support over the summer holiday before the
start of the holidays. Guidance for schools will follow
shortly.
· Thousands
of children will also receive additional support through our
Holiday Activities and Food programme, which offers activities
and free meals throughout the summer holidays.
· Last
week the Prime Minister announced a new welfare
assistance scheme for local authorities in England to help
those who are struggling to afford food and other essentials due
to coronavirus.
· DCMS
and DEFRA are also providing a grant of up to £16 million to
provide food for those who are struggling as a result of
coronavirus. The programme will provide millions of meals over a
12-week period and will be delivered through charities including
FareShare and WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme).
· The
Government has injected over £6.5bn into the welfare system,
including increasing Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit by
up to £1,040 a year, to help those in most need as well as
rolling out income protection schemes, mortgage holidays and
additional support for renters.
