Iceland joins Free School Meal national voucher scheme – Minister comment

@VickyFord responds to the news that @IcelandFoods is joining the national free school meal voucher scheme 

Minister for Children and Families Vicky Ford said:

“This is a unique and challenging period for schools and families, which is why we’re taking unprecedented action to make sure no child goes hungry.

“Over £183 million worth of vouchers have been converted into supermarket gift cards by schools and families so far, and we’ve also announced the Covid Summer Food Fund to make sure that children eligible for free school meals will continue to have access to food during the summer holidays.”  

“I’m delighted that Iceland has joined the national free school meal voucher scheme, meaning parents can begin ordering vouchers and have more options when shopping for their family.”

Background:

• Today, Monday 29 June, supermarket Iceland has confirmed it is joining the free school meal national voucher scheme, which is one of the ways we are supporting children on free school meals during the Covid-19 outbreak.
• Iceland joins a range of shops, including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, M&S, Aldi and McColl’s, where vouchers can be redeemed. The Department has worked closely with the provider Edenred to expand the system and ensure that there is capacity to add Iceland to the list of supermarkets.
• As schools are welcoming back more pupils, we are encouraging them to provide meals for collection or delivery for children who are staying at home. Where this is not possible, the scheme allows schools to provide vouchers to families electronically, or as a gift card for those without internet access.
• By giving headteachers flexibility on how they can get meals or vouchers to these children, they can make the most appropriate decisions for families in their communities and ensure this important support will continue.
• Families will also be able to redeem vouchers in Iceland as part of the Covid Summer Food Scheme which was announced on 16 June.

James Nickerson

Media Officer, Safety and Wellbeing

Communications Group

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