32,000 children to receive food supplement vouchers this summer

Families with children that are eligible for benefit related free school meals will receive a free £50 voucher to help with the cost of food over the summer holidays.

Sheffield City Council recognises that many families are being hit hard by the cost-of-living crisis, with summer holidays being a particularly difficult time due to extra costs for food and energy. The vouchers will be funded through the government’s Household Support Fund, set up to allow local councils to help those in their communities who need it most.

Those who claim income assessed Early Years Support (2-4yr olds) and young people leaving their care setting (Care Leavers) are also eligible, meaning 32,000 children across Sheffield will receive vital support to help with the rising cost of living this summer.

People do not need to apply to the scheme. Those who are eligible for the voucher will receive a letter from the council with details on how to redeem their voucher next week. There is also a short ‘how to’ video here.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Terry Fox, said:

“We are continuing with the food voucher scheme this summer, as we have done with every school holiday since the pandemic began, because we know that families need this to carry on at the minute as the cost-of-living surges.

“Keeping children happy, safe and healthy is our priority and by using the Household Support Fund once again to support our most vulnerable families we will help make sure no child goes hungry this summer.

“We hope that the £50 food supplement vouchers will help ease some of the financial burden faced by families and allow them to enjoy the holidays together without worrying about how they will put food on the table.”

If families are facing financial hardship, there is free advice and support available at www.citizensadvicesheffield.org.uk or by calling on 0808 278 7820.

Further information can also be found at https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/home/benefits/help-money-issues.