During the Easter school holidays, children in Dorset that are currently in receipt of free school meals, and families experiencing financial hardship because of the pandemic, will be eligible for supermarket vouchers to the value of £30 per child.

The COVID Winter Grant Scheme totalling £320,584 in Dorset will be used to fund the vouchers which can be redeemed at a participating supermarket of the parents’ choice. These vouchers will be provided through the child’s school. 

Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council portfolio holder for Children, Education and Early Help, 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.” 

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.  

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, places are limited for face-to-face activities; however, there is a collection of online activities that children can take part in from their homes. 

As part of Easter in Dorset, Dorset Council is producing 1500 holiday bundles containing home activities, resources and a cook box filled with ingredients and recipes for cooking tasty meals at home. These boxes are being sent to some of the families hardest hit as a result of the most recent lockdown. 

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.