The Nation has welcomed the news that Children and families will get extra support this winter, with councils given new funding to ensure vulnerable households do not go hungry or without essential items.
The £170m Covid Winter Grant Scheme will support children, families, and the most vulnerable over winter.
It is no doubt that our industry will be able to contribute to the programme and support those in need with the expansion of the Holiday Activities and Food programme covering Easter, Summer and Christmas in 2021.
The Holiday Activities and Food programme, which has provided healthy food and enriching activities to disadvantaged children since 2018, will also be expanded across England next year.
The new scheme being run by councils in England will see the funding being ring-fenced, with at least 80% earmarked to support with food and bills, and will cover the period to the end of March 2021. Local Authorities will receive the funding at the beginning of December 2020.
It will allow councils to directly help the hardest-hit families and individuals, as well as provide food for children who need it over the holidays.
Local councils understand which groups need support, and are best placed to ensure appropriate holiday support is provided – which is why they will distribute the funds, rather than schools, who will continue providing meals for disadvantaged children during term-time.
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