Wigan council say they will provide free school meals over half-term

Wigan Council has announced they will be funding an initiative to feed thousands of children over the half-term holiday.

Council leader Councillor David Molyneux said the local authority wanted to ensure families receive additional support during this challenging time.

It comes following the motion for the government to provide free school meals during the holidays until Easter 2021 was voted down in parliament on Wednesday. 

Children over the age of four in the borough who attend school in Wigan will receive £15 in vouchers.

Councillor Molyneux said: “This is the right thing to do. Thousands of young children and families across our borough rely on free school meals and this means they will not go hungry over the school holidays.

“We acknowledge that families are facing unprecedented challenges at the moment and this decision will ease some of the burden.”

Eligible families will be contacted directly, it is thought the scheme will benefit 10,500 children.

Councillor Molyneux added: “We are aware that many businesses and organisations across the borough had started their own campaigns in the last few days to help out children eligible for free school meals over this October half-term.

“It is that sense of community spirit that typifies our borough and we would like to thank them for their efforts.

“It would be fantastic to see families use their vouchers to support local businesses and food pantries – in line with our Community Wealth Building principles.”