Applications for the Christmas School Holiday Meal Scheme will open in Havering on Friday, 26 November.
Through the Government’s Household Support Fund, the Council has allocated funding to continue the School Holiday Meal Scheme for the Christmas holidays.
It will allow eligible families to apply to receive £30 per child to cover the two-week Christmas school break.
The scheme means that eligible low-income families can buy food over the holidays to replace the meals a child would have received during a school day.
Applications can be made from 9am on Friday, 26 November until 5pm on Friday, 3 December.
Anyone who has already registered and is eligible will automatically receive the funding into their chosen bank accounts during the week beginning 20 December.
If your child has recently started school, you will need to submit an application, if you haven’t already done so – even if you have other children in receipt of funding.
New claims will also be paid during the week beginning 20 December.
The Government’s Household Support Fund is part of Havering Helps, a package of measures worth more than £3.6 million.
This extra support was introduced during the pandemic to provide additional help to local residents, businesses and care providers.
Councillor Damian White, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“I hope the extra support with meals over the school holiday period will take the pressure off families and bring them some extra cheer at this special time of year.
“The scheme was set up to help our most vulnerable families and I’m pleased that’s exactly what it is doing.
“This is one of many packages still in place to help our community recover from the pandemic.”
Details of how to apply for the scheme and to check eligibility are available on our School Holiday Meal Support page.
The Council also offers support for those who do not qualify for the School Holiday Meal Scheme but still need financial help, through the Emergency Assistance Scheme.