THOUSANDS of children will continue to get vouchers to pay for meals and ensure they do not go hungry through the October half-term and Christmas holidays.

Vouchers worth £15 per child per week will be automatically sent to families of children currently receiving free school meals to help them buy food.

The scheme is being managed by Richmond Borough Council, which has received additional Government funding to support vulnerable families over the winter months.

Up to £336,440 will be used to provide support to children during the school holidays who would normally access free school meals during term time.

The need to support children from less well-off families was championed by England and Manchester United star, Marcus Rashford, who shamed the government into providing more cash.

Over 3,800 children across Richmond borough have so far received vouchers in the school holidays, and this support will continue.

Cllr Penny Frost, Chair of the Education and Children's Services Committee at Richmond Council, said: "The financial challenges faced by some families can be intensified during the school holidays because of increased costs such as food and reduced incomes due to childcare.

"We are committed to supporting families in Richmond upon Thames experiencing hardship, and these vouchers will help ease the strain of buying extra food over the coming holidays and to replace the free school meals their children normally receive during term time.

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"It is a life-line for many families."

More information regarding Free School meals can be found here.