HEREFORDSHIRE Council has pledged to give more than 3,000 schoolkids in the county free meals during the upcoming half term holidays.

The scheme was originally introduced at Christmas to provide support to vulnerable individuals and households with children, particularly affected by the pandemic during the winter months.

But the council has said this will be continued through the February half term and Easter holidays.

The council said its decision to continue to support the free school meals provision will help to ensure that vulnerable Herefordshire families don’t go hungry.

A council spokesperson said: "Under the extended scheme primary and secondary school pupils who are entitled to benefits related free school meals will receive meal provision up to the value of £15 to cover the cost of food for the week of the February half term holidays and up to £33 to cover meals for the longer Easter break through their schools.

"Parents and carers of primary and secondary school age children that are already in receipt of benefits related free school meals will be contacted by their school prior to the holidays.

Councillor Felicity Norman, cabinet member for children and families, added: “We know the pandemic has had a devastating impact on individuals and families across Herefordshire.

"The winter months are proving to be incredibly difficult for many people, and as the situation continues it is vital that we support the most vulnerable members of our communities for a longer period of time.

“Primary and secondary schools will be contacting parents and carers in good time to let them know that they are entitled to the benefits related free school meals and how they will receive them.

"Families with an eligible child that haven’t received information by the holidays should get in touch with their child’s school direct.”

It comes after the Government controversially said schools in England should not provide free lunch meals to disadvantaged pupils during the February half term.

New guidance published by the Department for Education on Wednesday (Jan 13) states: “Schools do not need to provide lunch parcels or vouchers during the February half term.”

The guidance explains that there is already wider government support available for families and children outside of term time, supplied through the Covid winter grant scheme.

This refers to the £170 million scheme announced in November 2020. The initiative is run by local authorities in England, with 80 per cent of funds assigned to support utility and food costs until the end of March.