Direct parental payment for children on free school meals to start next week

Parents and guardians of children on free school meals are being urged to register for a new system being introduced at the start of next week.

Wrexham Council has been operating a ‘grab-and-go’ packed lunches system for pupils across the county borough since coronavirus lockdown measures were introduced.

This has seen parents or guardians travel to one of 12 collection points between 11.30am and 1pm to collect the meals.

However from Monday 4th May money will be paid directly into bank accounts to purchase food, which parents and guardians then use to buy their children food.

Wrexham Council say this will “make things easier for parents and reduce the need to travel to collection points to pick up the ‘grab-and-go’ packed lunches we’re currently providing.”

As part of the new system monthly payment that equates to £19.50 per week for each eligible child in your family will be paid into bank accounts.

Leader of Wrexham Council Mark Pritchard, said: “We don’t want anyone to miss out, so if you haven’t already applied, please make sure you register via the council’s website by Friday, May 1 (you’ll need to provide your bank details).

“Note that if your children are still attending school (because you’re a critical worker or they’re vulnerable), you’ll need to use the money to pay for their school meals, or to buy food so you can send them in with a packed lunch.

“You can still collect grab-and-go packed lunches from our distribution centres until Friday, May 1.

“But from Monday, May 4 you’ll need to have registered for the new direct payments system so you don’t miss out.”

If you have any queries email at [email protected]. You can register your details on the council’s website, here.