Free school meals to be provided during summer holidays

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Children who are entitled to free school meals will continue to receive them throughout the summer months.

It comes after Caerphilly County Borough Council received extra coronavirus support funding from the Welsh Government.

All eligible pupils will be receiving a six-week meal pack this week, ready for the summer holidays.

The meal packs include meals such as sausage, cheese and potato pie, chicken and mushroom pasta bake, beef and noodles in a black bean sauce.

There are also vegetarian options, including vegetable fingers, potato waffles, mushrooms, baked beans, cheese pizzas and baked potatoes.

Packs will also include bread, jam, cereal, milk, fresh fruit, yoghurt, ice cream, jelly, salad and vegetable bags.

Councillor Philippa Marsden, leader of council, said: “These are difficult times for everyone.

“We know that for many the free school meals have provided a valuable additional resource whilst coronavirus restrictions have placed additional pressures on household budgets. We’re delighted we can continue this support during the Summer holidays.

“I’d also like to thank all of our catering staff, suppliers and volunteers who have gone above and beyond in ensuring that the free school meals, whom many families rely on, have been delivered without a hitch.”

Caerphilly County Borough Council has been providing meals to eligible children throughout the pandemic free of charge, with a number of council staff members being redeployed to deliver the meals at various times over the last 16 months.

Last summer, the council was the only council in the Gwent area to deliver free school meals to homes.

So far, more than 1.3m meals have been delivered to children across the borough since the start of the pandemic, with 31,215 meals delivered each week, according to the council.

Anyone who would like to receive or cancel their free meals can email catering@caerphilly.gov.uk or call 01443 864055

More details about free school meals can be found on the council’s website.