Free school meals in Scotland extended over Christmas and Easter holidays

THE Scottish Government has this week agreed to extend its free school meals scheme over the Christmas and Easter holidays.

A total of 1873 children across Moray will benefit from the scheme.

You can find out if your child is eligible HERE .

£10 million has been made available by the SNP Government so that councils can continue providing school meals through the winter break. Future funding has been confirmed to extend support over Easter.

Moray's SNP MSP Richard Lochhead said: “Many families in Moray are under considerable financial pressure at this time, and with less than two weeks until the UK government prematurely shuts down the furlough scheme, that’s unfortunately only set to get worse.

“This important investment will support 1873 children and young people in Moray, helping families meet the cost of meals over Christmas, February and Easter holidays.

“The Scottish Government’s decision to extend the free school meals scheme will be a great relief for many hard-pressed parents."

Last night, MPs voted against a plan to extend free school meals into the school holidays in England at Westminster.

Mr Lochhead added: “The Tories at Westminster had an opportunity to support thousands of families worrying about how they will put food on the table in the weeks ahead, but they refused to do so.

“It’s clear that Westminster has a lot to learn from the SNP’s approach to tackling food insecurity and building a social security system based on fairness, dignity and respect.”

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