Schoolchildren who receive free school meals will receive supermarket vouchers over the Easter holidays.

Dorset Council has received government funding to offer the support to children who receive benefits-related free school meals and families experiencing financial hardship because of the Covid pandemic.

They will be eligible for £30 supermarket vouchers per child - or an equivalent food package - to help pay for groceries over the school holiday. These will be provided through the child's school and can be redeemed at a participating supermarket.

Dorset Council received £320,584 from the Covid Winter Grant Scheme to fund the vouchers.

Councillor Andrew Parry, Dorset Council portfolio holder for children, education and early heal, 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 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 over the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays.

Dorset Council has worked with local providers to develop the Easter in Dorset Initiative, a collection of activities and meals for eligible children to access for free.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, places are limited for face-to-face activities, however, there is a range of online activities children can take part in from their homes. Find out more here.

As part of Easter in Dorset, the council is producing 1,500 holiday bundles containing home activities, resources and a cook box filled with ingredients and recipes for cooking meals at home. These boxes are being sent to some of the families hardest hit as a result of the most recent lockdown.

Cllr Andrew Parry added: "It's fantastic to be able to provide such a bright and fun initiative to our local children.

"We know that for many families the school holidays can be a particular pressure point, so we hope these activities will be something to be looking forward to."

Dorset Council is working with Public Health Dorset to make sure its activities adhere to strict Covid-19 guidelines to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

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.

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