Children who are eligible for free school meals will now benefit from a national voucher scheme; which will allow them to continue to access meals whilst they are required to stay at home, as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Schools can now provide every child who is eligible for free school meals with a weekly shopping voucher, worth £15, to spend at supermarkets, whilst schools are closed due to Coronavirus.

Schools can, if they wish, continue to provide meals for collection or delivery themselves. However, where this is not possible, the scheme will allow schools to provide vouchers to families electronically, or via a gift card for those who do not have internet access.

The vouchers can be spent on food at a range of supermarkets, including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose and M&S.

Parents who have children who are eligible for free school meals, will receive their weekly shopping voucher directly from their child’s school. The voucher can then be redeemed online via a code or, alternatively, the voucher may be sent directly to your home in the form of a gift card.

Should you require any further information about the national free school meal voucher scheme, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/voucher-scheme-launches-for-schools-providing-free-school-meals