Lockdown doesn’t stop free school meals provision
None of the Telford and Wrekin maintained schools provide packed meals using the catering company Chartwells – that has recently attracted negative comments nationally for inadequate food parcels.
Our schools use the free school meal voucher system (enabling parents a choice as to where they shop and in doing so, ensuring value for money) or supply packed meals (working with their catering team or food provider for good quality meals - that comply with all the school food standards)
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If you are not currently in receipt of free school meals but your financial situation has recently changed and you believe you might be eligible for it, this link gives more information on how to apply.
Cllr Shaun Davies, council leader, said: “As we have done all throughout the pandemic lockdowns, we are working closely with all schools across our borough to ensure that over 8,000 children who need free school meals support can continue to receive it during this latest lockdown whether they are still in school or on remote learning including bank holidays.
“We are also continuing to work with 11 community groups across the borough to deliver free breakfast boxes as well as funding for over 100 warm winter coats for those children and families most in need.”
Cllr Shirley Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education and Lifelong Learning said: “We know the challenges of trying to learn at home and this Council stepped in to develop our own “Laptops for Learning” scheme and provided over 350 laptops to schools, to give to children who are most in need of them.
“Over 1,000 children are set to benefit from the Council’s laptops scheme over the lifetime of this project. We remain committed to supporting our schools and our local community during these challenging times. “
A number of support schemes for families and all borough residents are available on www.telford.gov.uk/coronavirus/support
