Sheffield council announced that they will support school children and young people with free school meals and holiday activities during the Easter holidays.

Free food vouchers will be given to families that are struggling with financial difficulties during the pandemic. Each child will receive £30 worth of vouchers from the council. They predicted that families of 31,500 children would be benefited from this scheme.  

Councillor Bob Johnson, Leader of Sheffield City Council said: “These last 12 months have been hugely difficult for everyone, especially families facing financial hardship.”

The council reckoned that food vouchers had relieved the burden of less fortunate families over the past year. They encouraged families who received vouchers to claim them, so they don’t have to “worry about where the next meal is coming from”. 

Councillor Abtisam Mohammed, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: “It is vital that children and young people in Sheffield don’t go hungry over the holidays and we, as a council, are committed to doing all that we can to make sure that this doesn’t happen. “

Alongside providing food vouchers, the council would also continue with the Sheffield Healthy Holidays scheme. A range of free, online holiday activities will be available throughout Easter holiday. 

Cllr Mohammed said, “School holidays can be particular pressure points for some families because of increased costs such as food and childcare, and reduced incomes. 

“For some children from our more disadvantaged families this can lead to them being less likely to access organised out-of-school activities and encounter social isolation.”

This year, Sheffield Healthy Holidays organised an online Easter egg hunt. Children and families can enjoy the event at home or take it outdoors in the local area. 

Councillor Mary Lea, Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Leisure said: “After the year we’ve all had and the recent return to schools again, I hope it will provide a much-welcomed opportunity for families to bond over healthy food and enriching activities.”