Welsh Government to provide £33m to councils to continue funding free school meals during summer holidays

Wales has become the first country in the UK to guarantee ongoing funding for the provision of free school meals until schools reopen or until the end of August.

Education Minister Kirsty Williams has today confirmed each eligible child will receive the equivalent of £19.50 a week.

With the support of the Welsh Local Government Association, the Welsh Government will make £33 million available to help local authorities continue to provide free school meals.

Earlier this week Wrexham Council announced that from Monday 4th May the “grab and go packed lunches scheme” will be replaced with money paid directly into bank accounts to purchase food.

The move has been welcomed by Wrexham’s Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths.

Ms Griffiths said: “Many constituents, including local Labour councillors, have contacted me about this issue so I trust this latest announcement will be welcomed.

“It provides reassurance the most vulnerable in our communities will continue to be supported by the Welsh Government during the coronavirus crisis.

“However, locally serious concerns have been raised with me regarding Wrexham Council’s ‘Grab & Go’ initiative, with indications suggesting the uptake is nowhere near the figures which exist for those children eligible.”

“This is a critical and challenging time for many families and I am very worried about the health and welfare of children who, through no fault of their own, may be going hungry.”

“I have made urgent representations to the Welsh Government and Wrexham Council on the matter.

“Although the Council has indicated that from Monday 4th May money will be paid directly into bank accounts, there is an example of at least one Local Authority in Wales that has been providing direct payments to parents and guardians since the end of March.

“I hope this latest announcement will enable Wrexham Council to swiftly reassess and improve their provision of free school meals to ensure all those eligible receive direct payments as soon as possible.”

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