DORSET Council has received funding from the government to provide additional support this Easter to children who receive benefits-related free schools meals.

The government grant, which totals £320,584, will be used to fund the free meal vouchers for families who may be experiencing financial troubles.

Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, Cllr Andrew Parry said: "These are difficult times for everyone, but they are particularly challenging for the families who have seen a significant drop in income. Over the last year these food vouchers have taken some of the burden from our families and we're delighted we can continue this support during the Easter holidays."

Children that are currently in receipt of free school meals, and families experiencing financial hardship because of the Covid pandemic, will be eligible for supermarket vouchers to the value of £30 per child over the Easter school holiday period to help pay for groceries.

This is thanks to the Covid Winter Grant Scheme.

Each voucher will be worth £30 (or an equivalent value food package) and can be redeemed at a participating supermarket of the parents’ choice.

These vouchers will be provided through the child's school.

The government has also provided funding, as part of the Holiday Activities and Food programme, to offer free activities alongside nutritious meals to children eligible for free school meals over the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays.

Dorset Council has worked with local providers to develop the Easter in Dorset Initiative, a collection of fun activities and meals for eligible children to access for free.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, places are limited for face-to-face activities.

However, there are a wide range of online activities that children can enjoy from their homes.

As part of Easter in Dorset, the council is producing 1500 holiday bundles containing home activities, resources and a cook box filled with ingredients and recipes for cooking meals at home.

These boxes are being sent to some of the families hardest hit as a result of the most recent lockdown.

Cllr Andrew Parry said: "It’s fantastic to be able to provide such a bright and fun initiative to our local children. We know that for many families the school holidays can be a particular pressure point, so we hope these activities will be something to be looking forward to."

Families who are eligible for the schemes do not have to choose between the free school meal vouchers and Holiday Activities and Food programme, they will be able to access both at the same time.