Following the recent debate on free school meals, Anthony gave his support to the three stages recommended by the National Food Strategy Report – extending the eligibility of free school meals, expanding the Holiday Activities and Food Programme and increasing the value of Healthy Start vouchers.
He is therefore pleased that The Government has decided to action the findings of the National Food Strategy Report report by announcing the Covid Winter Grant Scheme and the Holiday Activities and Food Programme.
The Covid Winter Grant Scheme will see councils across England sharing £170 million in additional, ring-fenced funding to help vulnerable families and individuals, with Devon County Council receiving £2,042,754.05 and Torbay Council receiving £500,463.83. 80% of the fund has been earmarked to support the hardest-hit families with the cost of food and bills. More information will be released shortly on how this funding can be accessed.
A further £220 million will be invested in extending the Holiday Activities and Food Programme until next Christmas, meaning that all children eligible for free school meals will be given access to healthy food and fun activities during the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays in 2021. Launched in 2018, The Holiday Activities and Food Programme sees charities and community groups provide meals and activities such as football, play sessions and cooking classes for disadvantaged children across the country.
Furthermore, Healthy Start payments are being increased from April 2021 and an additional £16 million in funding has been pledged for food distribution charities.
Anthony says, "This programme will provide longer term support to those most in need. But ultimately as developed nation we can and must do more to ensure that no child goes hungry. There are further elements to the National Food Strategy that I hope will explored over the coming weeks."