Submitted on Tuesday 12th January 2021
Rejected on Thursday 21st January 2021
Current status: Rejected
Rejection code: already-happening (see below for details)
Provide pupils eligible for Free School Meals with a weekly food voucher.
Food parcels for children eligible for Free School Meals are inconsistent, not best value for money and provide limited variety or choice. The government should reintroduce either weekly or fortnightly vouchers for families to redeem in shops to buy food as a matter of urgency.
Families are already under extreme pressure - reduced incomes, working from home, limited contact with wider family and friends, supporting children learning remotely etc. Food parcels require families to come to school to collect (somewhat defeating the point of closing schools to many pupils to reduce the spread of Covid19). Limited choice in parcels increases food waste. Vouchers can be emailed directly and spent on food, which can benefit the whole family.
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The Government e-Petitions Team gave the following reason:
The national voucher scheme to provide meals to children eligible for free school meals during lockdown reopened on Monday 18th January. Schools are able to claim back support provided through lunch parcels or locally arranged vouchers since 4th January from the Department for Education.
See:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools#national-voucher-scheme
You might like to sign the following petition:
Only close schools in lockdown if free school meals vouchers are available
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/569601
3.144.10.14 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 02:02:17 +0100
