News

Families and young people entitled to free school meals will receive food grants during the holidays from Christmas 2020.

Weir said: “I welcome today’s decision by the Executive to support my proposal to fund a School Holiday Food Grant scheme.  This is very good news, especially for those families who are struggling financially during this pandemic.

“The issue of ‘holiday hunger’ has become an increasing concern this year and I have worked, with my Executive colleagues, to address this by providing food payments to families during the summer and Halloween holidays and indeed when schools were forced to close. 

“I realise the vital importance for children who normally receive a free school meal to have access to a nutritious meal without placing their family under further hardship in these difficult times.”

The provision of holiday food grants during this period is expected to cost an estimated £40 million.