Food vouchers to help families during half-term

Families can receive "vital support" this half-term as part of a scheme to help thousands of vulnerable children.

Supermarket vouchers will again be sent to eligible families in Peterborough.

The city council is urging families to check their eligibility, as about 13,000 children and young people in the area are entitled to them.

Katy Cole, a councillor who is the cabinet member for children's services, said she was "delighted that once again we will be providing this vital support".

The £15 vouchers will be sent automatically by text and email on 15 February, using school data and information held by the council.

They must be claimed by 21:00 GMT on 16 March.

The council said during 2025 it would also issue vouchers at Easter, the May half-term and the summer holidays.

Children who become eligible up to and including 23 February will also receive vouchers if an application has been made.

Cole, a Labour councillor, said it made a "positive difference for many vulnerable families in Peterborough".

She added: "I would also urge anyone who is eligible for the scheme but has not already signed up to please consider doing so as soon as possible.

"The free school meals scheme not only helps families, saving around £450 a year per child, but also helps their child's primary school receive much-needed additional funding."

Vouchers will be given to families with children and young people who receive:

• income-related free school meals (children and young people aged four to 16)
• early years pupil premium, under the income-based criteria
• funded childcare and education for two-year-olds, under the income-based criteria

Some young people over 16 may be also be eligible, the council said.

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