COUNCIL INSISTS: CHILDREN MUST NOT GO HUNGRY OVER FESTIVE SEASON

                                                                

Cllr Ian Lindley - food voucher scheme

VULNERABLE children in North East Lincolnshire "will not have to go hungry" this Christmas.

That assurance has this week been issued by North East Lincolnshire Council in the run-up to the festive season.

The authority says it has worked with local schools and academies to ensure that children who qualify for free school meals will continue to receive them throughout the  holiday.

The council originally agreed to supply meals to local children during the October half-term break following a campaign by footballer Marcus Rashford.

The announcement will be a reassurance to many families who have been hit especially hard during the pandemic.

Some 6,411 children and young people in our area are eligible for free school meals. 

The council will be working with local schools to provide these youngsters with vouchers to buy food in local supermarkets.

Says Cllr Ian Lindley, NELC's portfolio holder for children, education and young people: "There are a lot of families who will have seen their income dramatically reduced.

"Children must not go hungry - at Christmas or as any other time of year.

"I should like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in this project, especially our local schools and academies, for working with us to ensure that plans could be put in place early.”

Food vouchers, which can be used at local supermarkets to purchase food only, are being distributed by local schools.