Sutton Council continues to support children and families by extending Free School Meals during the autumn half term

This builds upon previous schemes delivered across 2020 and 2021. The support will be provided via funding from the Household Support Grant received from Central Government.

Parents/carers of children that are registered for FSM at their school do not need to apply, your school whether in the London Borough of Sutton or in another Local Authority area, will distribute vouchers to eligible families directly. This will apply to the vast majority of pupils eligible for the voucher.

There will be some families who are eligible for a food voucher but whose children do not currently attend a school, i.e pre-school children or home educated children. Further details as to who can receive a food voucher and how you can apply are set out in the Frequently Asked Questions on the Council’s website.

Further information on how families can apply for this support are detailed on the Sutton Council website.

Councillor Jenny Batt, Vice Chair of the People Committee and Lead Member for Education, said:

“We recognise that many families across the borough have ongoing needs for financial support which makes feeding their children over school holidays really difficult. Sadly many of these families have seen their circumstances change over the course of the pandemic, adding to the challenge.

As a Council we are continuing the programme of Free School Meals over the autumn half term to ensure that no child goes hungry during this time. Like previous schemes over the past year, we are making sure that feeding those children and young people most at risk is the top priority.”

The Council recognises that not all families fall into this scheme and so we are working with our partners, Community Action Sutton to provide further support. Families can also contact Sutton Food Bank for additional help.

For more information on how the Council is supporting schools and settings to respond to COVID-19, please visit our website.