900 children in Greater Manchester town eat for free at school thanks to new scheme

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

An extra 900 young people in Stockport will receive a free lunchtime meal over the school year thanks to a new initiative. Families who are not eligible for government-funded free school meals can claim a paid-for meal for their children under the the Stockport Council School Meal Support Scheme.

It is aimed at children and young adults aged between seven and 18 years old who are living in the borough and attending an education setting this academic year, and whose parents or carers are in receipt of local Council Tax support and/or housing benefit. READ MORE: Dangerous concrete identified at another Greater Manchester college Children who live in Stockport but attend a school or college outside the borough are eligible for the scheme.

In total, 945 children are taking part this academic year across 150 schools and colleges in Stockport and beyond. Those taking part will receive a meal each day of term when they attend school.

Councillor Jilly Julian, cabinet member for finance and resources at Stockport Council, said: “We know that back to school time puts an additional strain on families already struggling financially, so I hope that the School Meal Support Scheme will help to make a difference to many of our residents. "It’s just one of the ways that the council is looking to support the people of Stockport during this difficult economic time.” According to government figures, 23.8 percent of pupils are eligible for free school meals in the UK, up from 22.5 percent in 2022.