We know it can be particularly challenging for families, parents and carers to afford increased costs over the summer holidays, which is why the Government’s announcement of a COVID Summer Food Fund was welcome following the tireless efforts of charities and campaigners as well as Marcus Rashford’s support.
In order to receive support through the COVID Summer Food Fund over the summer holidays, eligible children must be registered for Free School Meals by 10 July.
How to register
- Check eligibility for you or your children, a full list of the eligibility criteria is below.
- Register on your local authority’s website – the process will vary based on your borough and children's school. Find links to each borough's guidance below.
- Complete your application by Friday 10 July 2020.
Please note: Not all applications can be made online, some must be completed by contacting a relevant school.
Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:
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Income Support
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income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
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income-related Employment and Support Allowance
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support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
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the guaranteed element of Pension Credit
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Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
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Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
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Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
Children who get paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.
Your child may also get free school meals if you get any of these benefits and your child is both:
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younger than the compulsory age for starting school
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in full-time education
Find out more about qualifying for free school meals, how to claim them and what other support you be able to access by visiting:
Some families with no recourse to public funds can now register for free school meals. Project 17 have created guidance to help people identify as NRPF.
EdenRed created guidance for parents on how and where they can use their free school meal vouchers.
Parents and carers can contact Edenred with any queries regarding their vouchers.