Free school meal food vouchers (previously issued to parents and carers with a child who is in receipt of benefits related free school meals) will stop after the May 2026 half term holidays and will not be available for the 2026 summer holidays onwards.
Parents of children impacted have been informed of the Government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF). This new scheme provides support for the families who are experiencing a financial crisis and cannot meet essential, immediate costs. The information about CRF and associated support is available on the Council website www.herefordshire.gov.uk/community/help-with-the-cost-of-living/crisis-and-resilience-fund/.
Families that have been impacted by the cost of living and are experiencing financial hardship, are signposted to the Talk Community Money on Your Mind website. The website provides lots of advice and guidance on financial support and includes links to organisations that may be able to help www.talkcommunity.co.uk/money-on-your-mind/
We are also reminding families that the DfE funded ‘Here for Herefordshire Holidays’ (HAF) programme will continue to run during the Summer, Christmas and Easter school holidays. Parents of children (from reception to year 11) who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals can book a wide variety of free activities sessions through the online Talk Community Directory www.talkcommunitydirectory.org/holidayactivities
Every child that attends a session will be offered a free healthy meal.