Published: Wednesday 7 December 2022
More than 4,500 families will receive £44 food vouchers for each child on free school meals to support them over the winter break. The vouchers, which the Council recently boosted by £5 per week, will give parents peace of mind as costs continue to rise.
The Council will also be supporting children’s health with a range of activities offered through the Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF). The programme enables young people aged between four and 16 on free school meals to take part in free activities run by organisations across the borough and receive a free warm meal while they attend.
It's one of many initiatives introduced by Kensington and Chelsea Council to support residents through the cost of living crisis. Other initiatives include the opening of 24 warm winter spaces – from Council buildings to places of worship – which are searchable via an interactive map, and the launch of a cost of living support hub.
Cllr Catherine Faulks, Lead Member for Family and Children’s Services, said:
“Through boosting the value of our food vouchers, families will be able to focus on fun activities over the Christmas period.
“We know many families will feeling the pinch this winter, and I encourage them to look into the range of support we’ve made available on our Cost of Living hub.”
Andrew O’Neill, Headteacher of All Saints Catholic College and recently named Secondary School Headteacher of the Year, said:
“The extension of the Free School Meals initiative by Kensington and Chelsea Council has had a hugely beneficial impact on the families within our school community.
“The additional boost that the Council has given to this scheme really does demonstrate the commitment that they have in serving some of the poorest families within our local authority.”
To find out more about the activities available to children this winter, visit the Our City website, which catalogues a range of activities available across Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster. While spaces are primarily offered to children on free school meals, all children are welcome to register for a place.
One Christmas Holiday Club available to local children is provided by Fit or Life Youth, which will give them the chance to enjoy football, boxing, mini-tennis, cricket and much more, with healthy hot meals provided to eligible young people.
For children more interested in arts than athletics, Portobello Dance School will give children the chance to spend their Christmas holidays enjoying ballet, street dance and musical theatre. Eligible children can access a free meal while attending.