Braunton councillor urges families to apply for holiday meal vouchers

A councillor, who represents Braunton East and North Devon District Council, is spreading an important message for families across Devon. 

Councillor Graham Bell explained that currently all Key Stage 1 pupils receive free school meals, which he said was “great.”

However, he emphasised: “BUT… it means that pupils who would be entitled to free school meals due to financial circumstances might not have applied for them.”

He told the Gazette that: “When Devon County Council sends meal vouchers for holiday time, some Key Stage 1 families will not receive them. These vouchers are worth £15 per week (so £90 for the summer, also £30 for Christmas and Easter). It’s a great deal of money for people who may be struggling under the cost of living.”

Councillor Bell highlighted this potential gap in support, stressing the significant impact it could have on families across the county. 

Reflecting on his own experiences, he said: “As a child my family relied on Free School Meals for several years. But as I look back, I understand the hardship that my mother endured on many summers and christmases to ensure that we had enough to eat everyday. It's great that thanks to campaigners like Marcus Rashford, councils are now offering holiday vouchers to families who normally receive free school meals. However, it appears that many families with Y1 or Y2 children may not be aware that they are entitled to receive these vouchers. Thank you to everyone who is helping to ensure that children who receive income support are not going hungry through the summer.”

Devon County Council (DCC) is encouraging eligible families to apply for free school meals if they are on low incomes.

A spokesperson from DCC said: “Although pupils in Years 1 and 2 are universally entitled to free school meals, we encourage families on low incomes to apply for free school meals. This ensures they receive meal vouchers to help with the cost of meals over the summer holidays.

“It’s not too late either – if any family in Devon, who has children in Year 1 or Year 2, is on a low income, then we encourage them to contact our team to find out if they are eligible for benefit-related free school meals.  If they can do that before this Friday, and they are eligible, we will send them free school meal vouchers for the summer holidays.  This Friday is the cut-off date for applications to receive the vouchers in time for the summer holidays.”

Families who think they may be eligible should apply through the Devon Citizens Portal for an instant decision or call the Education Helpline on 0345 155 1019. 

The deadline for applications to receive summer holiday vouchers is this Friday (July 26), so prompt action is necessary.

Cllr Caroline Leaver, Liberal Democrat Leader at DCC, said: “The Liberal Democrats believe that every child deserves the best possible start in life and the opportunity to flourish, no matter their background or personal circumstances. Many families are trying to do the best for their children while dealing with increased costs of living over recent years, which is one of the legacies of many long years of conservative rule. The most vulnerable families and children in our society need support with free school meal support during the holidays, to tackle child poverty and keep children healthy over the summer months. “

Councillor Bell hopes that by raising awareness, more families will benefit from this support.