You may remember how footballer Marcus Rashford’s child poverty campaign contributed to forcing the Government to change policy on holiday food and councils were given some extra funding so that we could continue to support children living in poverty over Christmas and subsequent holiday periods. You will be pleased to know that Lambeth Council is NOT using the private company (Chartwells) outline in the press delivering inadequate food and “pocketing profit”.

Through the money secured from government, Lambeth Council provided £15 supermarket vouchers plus £5 towards bills per week over the holidays for every child eligible for free school meals in Lambeth. Lambeth Council also provided each family with information on how they can access other financial, employment and health support. As not all children in need are registered for free school meals, 20% of the new funds secured were spent on other children and their families for food, bills and emergencies like a broken oven or washing machine.