More than 1,800 free school meal packages delivered to Northumberland families

The deliveries were made possible with support from the council’s school transport team and local transport firms. Provision was put in place to ensure that children receiving free school meals would not suffer unnecessarily when schools were closed, other than to children of key workers or the most vulnerable. Coun Wayne Daley, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “The council’s school meals service have been working closely with schools across the county, to make sure free school meals continue to be provided and ensuring no child goes hungry.

“This fantastic demonstration of teamwork has seen hundreds of school meals delivered in response to the coronavirus pandemic. “The work being done in schools across Northumberland has meant that 7,500 children continue to be fed each day - this enormous effort is a combination of free school meals being made for children in school, care packages being delivered and, where schools are not able to provide catering, vouchers being issued to spend at supermarkets.”Cath McEvoy-Carr, executive director of children's services, added: “We’ve seen a fantastic response to supporting the delivery of free school meals and I am extremely grateful to all of my colleagues and partners for their efforts.“If your child normally receives free school meals and your school is not currently able to provide them, schools can now provide you with a weekly shopping voucher to spend at supermarkets.”To find out more, call 01670 623592, or apply online: https://online.northumberland.gov.uk/citizenportal/form.aspx?form=Free_School_Meals

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