Free school meal vouchers during holidays will come to an end in Wales

The Welsh Government has confirmed that it will withdraw funding for the free school meal vouchers that were previously available throughout the school holidays.

The free school meals voucher scheme was started in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The vouchers will not be available for the upcoming summer holidays or any following holiday periods. 

In a letter addressed to parents and carers, Richard Edmunds, Director of Education and Corporate Services for Caerphilly County Borough Council stated that the Council’s response was dependent on the Welsh Government’s decision. 

Mr Edmunds wrote: “As a result of this decision Caerphilly County Borough Council will not be able to provide free school meal vouchers as per previous school summer holidays.

“We understand that this news so close to the summer holidays will be very disappointing for many families who have benefited from the free school meals provision in previous holiday periods.” 

Mr Edmunds added that the council “cannot do anything about Welsh Government’s decision” but suggested a number of alternatives to help support families. 

Alternative resources include Caerphilly County Borough Council Cost-of-Living support, Caerphilly Cares, Welsh Government Support Schemes and local food banks.