After the incredible campaign on Holiday Hunger, and wide public pressure, the Government has now published details on how the new COVID Summer Food Fund will work:

The scheme will enable children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals to be supported over the summer, and it will be administered via our local schools.

Eligible pupils can receive a £90 voucher to cover the 6-week holiday period. If the school’s summer holiday lasts 7 full weeks instead, the voucher amount per child will increase to £105.

Vouchers need to be ordered at least one week before the child’s school closes and, in some cases, the vouchers can also be broken down into smaller amounts. They can be redeemed at many of our area’s local supermarkets.

Labour knew how vital these vouchers would be for so many families. I know our schools, working with St Helens Council, will be fully supporting them this summer.