Meal vouchers to be available for pupils eligible for free school meals
Voucher system for free school meals
Supermarket vouchers are to be given to parents or guardians of pupils eligible for free school meals.
This means that families will not have to make a journey into schools. The move will ensure children and young people will get access to the food and nutrition they need during coronavirus, while allowing social distancing to be better observed.
Vouchers to the value of £25 will be provided for each child and will be issued for a 10-day period. The allowance per day is higher than the current price of a school meal.
The children and young people eligible within this scheme are those in a Moray Council primary or secondary school whose household income has been assessed and a free school meal award made. This does not include other children within primary 1 to 3 who were eligible under the Scottish Government free school meal scheme.
The scheme is due to start on Monday 6 April and eligible parents or guardians will be contacted directly about the vouchers. The first voucher will be issued on Monday 6 April covering what would have been the two-week Easter holiday period. Vouchers will then be issued fortnightly from Monday 13 April 2020 whilst schools remain closed.
Vouchers will be emailed to parents or guardians who have provided an email address to their school, or by text message if only a mobile phone number is held. Any eligible parents or guardians who have not given their email address to their child’s school should email education@moray.gov.uk with ‘free school meal voucher’ in the subject line. Parents and guardians who do not have access to email or a mobile phone should phone us on 01343 563374.This number is currently manned 8.45am to 4pm, Monday-Friday.
Additional information about how schools are affected during coronavirus is available from http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_132517.html
Frequently asked questions
I have recently changed my email address or mobile phone number – how can I make sure I get a voucher?
Please email education@moray.gov.uk with ‘free school meal voucher’ in the subject line so that we can prioritise your enquiry.
My child attends a childcare hub – will I get a voucher?
Free school meals will be provided for eligible children and young people attending childcare hubs. Vouchers will only be issued where attendance is less than 5 days per week.
When will I receive my voucher?
Vouchers will be issued by 2pm on Monday 6 April. If you are eligible and have not received a voucher please email education@moray.gov.uk with ‘free school meal voucher’ in the subject line. Vouchers will then be issued by 2pm on a fortnightly basis from Monday 13 April.
How can I spend the voucher?
Go to:
I am having problems opening my voucher – who can help me?
All the information is at this link:
My financial circumstances have changed recently – could this make my children eligible for free school meals?
Find out if you are eligible and how to apply at http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_55486.html