Caerphilly council will use its reserves to feed vulnerable children this summer after the Welsh Government confirms free school meals will not be extended across the school holidays. The scheme was introduced during the Covid pandemic to address "holiday hunger" and help families struggling during the cost of living crisis.
The Welsh Government has confirmed that the offer ran during May half term for the last time and will not be available for the upcoming long summer holiday or beyond. Under the scheme parents and carers whose children were eligible for free school meals were offered a range of options from vouchers, to food deliveries to money paid direct to them.
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “Extending free school meals into the holidays was a time-limited crisis intervention in response to the pandemic." However First Minister Mark Drakeford added it "does not mean there is not support".
