Swansea commits extra £250k to help feed children in school holidays

The extra cash will help provide around 50,000 extra meals to children in Swansea at risk of going without.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Welsh Government introduced temporary payments during the school holidays to families receiving free school meals, but these have now ended.

To help support families, the council is funding projects that offer breakfast and lunch clubs as well as other food initiatives such as meals, food bags and vouchers.

Existing foodbanks can also access this support to bolster their supplies.

Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart said: “We want the school summer holidays to be fun and affordable for all families but are very aware during the cost-of-living crisis there are many who are struggling.

“This additional investment into groups and organisations that are working in our most vulnerable communities will ensure an additional 50,000 meals are served during August to those who need it most.

“Other initiatives this summer to support all families include the largest programme of free or subsidised activities and events for children and young people the city has seen, as well as free bus travel every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday during the school holidays.”

Groups and organisations that already work with the council and have been funded in the past are being encouraged to apply for the extra cash support.

Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Well-being, Alyson Pugh, said: “There are many groups and organisations who work in Swansea to ensure that families do not go hungry.

“Like them, we are here for the people of Swansea during the cost of living crisis. I would like to pay tribute to the work they do and say how proud I am that Swansea Council has committed an additional £250,000 to support them this summer.

“I would also urge any parent or carer who is struggling to feed their children during the holidays to seek out the support that is available across our communities.”