DELYN’S Senedd Member has urged parents to check if they are eligible to receive free school meals throughout the approaching summer holidays.

In April, the Welsh Government agreed to make £33 million available to help local authorities continue to provide free school meals throughout August to some of the country’s most vulnerable children.

Hannah Blythyn MS said: “I am proud that Wales is the first country in the UK to guarantee funding to continue free school meals until at least the end of August. Free school meals are often a lifeline for so many families, particularly as household income may have been affected by the current pandemic.”

Manchester United star, Marcus Rashford, has published an open letter to all MPs calling on the UK Government to act, detailing his personal experiences, to prevent any child from going to bed hungry.

In his letter the Manchester United forward refers to how current systems in England are failing families - such as delays with Universal Credit claims and a quarter of the 1.3 million children registered for free school meals, having received no support.

In closing Rashford asks the UK Government to reconsider their decision to cancel the food voucher scheme over the holidays and extend the offer of support for eligible families.

As this support already exists in Wales, the Delyn MS is encouraging families to check if they are eligible to receive free school meals.

Hannah added: “Coronavirus has impacted us in many different ways and for many will have had a large impact on household income. If your financial circumstances have changed significantly then please do get in touch with Flintshire County Council and see if you are eligible for support.”

Since schools closed in Wales in mid-March, the Welsh Government have continued to fund the scheme and have provided local authorities with the powers to support families in the way that works best for them and here in Flintshire families receive the payment directly into their bank accounts.

In Wales, each eligible child will receive the equivalent of £19.50 a week to support families in ensuring that they are able to enjoy a nutritious meal.

To find out if you are eligible for free school meals, contact Flintshire County Council on 01352 704848 or email FreeSchoolMeals@flintshire.gov.uk.