More than £130,000 worth of free school meal vouchers were distributed by Hounslow Council during February half-term.

Families that receive free school meals are entitled to a weekly voucher worth £15 per child to spend on nutritious lunches during the school holidays.

The vouchers are distributed through the online e-vouchers website or posted to families, including those children living outside the borough that attend Hounslow's schools.

Hounslow Council is now encouraging all families to check if they are entitled to claim free school meals for their child.

Children are entitled to free school meals if their family receives certain benefits or is on a lower income.

Children of eligible families receive a nutritious lunch every day in school, while the school receives extra funding for every child who claims. This money can be used by the school to offer tailored support for children from low-income households.

Councillor Tom Bruce, Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Youth Services, said: "I'm delighted that we are continuing to make free school meals available and accessible to families during the holidays.

"Families continue to face many pressures, which is exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis, yet we are providing a helping hand to ensure no child ever goes hungry.

"We know that some families who are eligible for free school meals don't always claim, either because they don't think they qualify, or are discouraged by the online form, or that their child won't enjoy the lunch.

"I urge any families entitled to receive free school meals to apply, as applications provide vital extra funding for schools, as well as a healthy nutritious meal for their child.

"During the school holidays families also receive the bonus of vouchers, which can be used against their food shopping at the supermarket till."

The extra meals are being funded by the Government's Household Support Fund grant.

Eligible families will also be able to sign up for the Council's free Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme – including one week at Easter, four weeks in the Summer, and one week at Christmas. The HAF programme ensures children in the borough can attend a fun exciting activity and eat more healthily during the holidays.

The Christmas HAF programme saw 23 providers hosting activity sessions at 31 different venues across the borough with sessions ranging from arts and crafts, sports coaching, and cookery lessons.

Vouchers for the Easter holidays will be made available to schools at the beginning of March – each eligible child will be entitled to four days during the programme.

If families are struggling to afford the basics, like food and essential supplies, and require extra support, they can get in touch with Hounslow's Family Information Service via telephone on 020 8583 3470, email on [email protected], or by the Hounslow Family Services Directory.