Thousands of children in Wandsworth receiving free school meal vouchers in lockdown

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Thousands of children in Wandsworth receiving free school meal vouchers in lockdown

Postby Community Editor » Fri Jan 15, 2021 12:51 pm

Thousands of children in Wandsworth are continuing to receive a nutritious lunch during lockdown with their parents given supermarket food vouchers to replace free school meals.

Unlike some boroughs where food parcels are being distributed, parents in Wandsworth whose children are eligible for free school meals are given vouchers they can exchange for food at the supermarket of their choice.

More than 9,000 children across the borough are benefiting from the scheme, which operated over the Christmas holiday and will continue to run during February’s half term break - as well as covering term time periods when children would normally be in school.

The council’s voucher scheme was first launched in May last year at the start of the pandemic. It was the first of its type in the country to swing into action and start delivering vouchers. Within two days of liaising with its online voucher partner, the council’s scheme was operational and fully compliant with data protection laws. Since then it has delivered tens of thousands of food vouchers to families on lower incomes.

And for families who may need additional financial support, they can apply for grants from the borough’s discretionary social fund. These crisis grants are designed to cover the cost of food and fuel and do not need to be paid back.

Wandsworth’s cabinet member for education and children’s services Cllr Will Sweet said: “A staggering 100 per cent of Wandsworth schools signed up for our brilliant council food voucher app. That means no risk whatsoever of inadequate food parcels.

“Our voucher scheme delivers the funding directly to where it’s needed and allows parents to decide what their child would like for lunch. Our scheme allows parents to choose what’s best for their children.

“Until schools are able to fully reopen the council will continue to make sure that children from some of our hardest pressed families don’t miss out on a free school meal.”

Headteacher at Beatrix Potter Primary School Steph Neale added; “Heads are impressed with how quickly the voucher platform was set up in Wandsworth and the support that has since been provided by the council. It has helped relieve pressure on schools so that they can focus on dealing with all the other issues of lockdown.”

The council has also funded specialist help and advice for local families from Citizens Advice Wandsworth.

Residents who need help applying for a discretionary grant can contact its advisers by calling (020) 4529 0674 between 10am and 12 noon, Monday to Friday (messages can be left during these times).

Advisers will help people make an online application, and will also provide support with any debt, benefit, housing or employment issues which might be causing hardship. CAW services are all confidential and independent.

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