CYP Now - Sector leaders welcome government U-turn on free school meals

Sector leaders have welcomed the government's new winter support package which includes rolling-out free school meals across the Christmas holidays and until summer 2021.

The government has pledged to fund food distribution charities. Picture: Sustain

Last month, Conservative MPs voted against providing food for vulnerable families during school holidays despite a high-profile campaign led by footballer Marcus Rashford.

However, over the weekend Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced £170m in funding for local authorities to provide free school meals over the Christmas holidays and other school holidays until March 2021 and a further £16m to support food distribution charities over Christmas.

The new winter support package also includes plans for a £220m holiday activity and food programme to run over Easter, summer and Christmas 2021 for all local authorities in England.

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