How families can apply for support in South Tyneside if children receive free school meals

South Tyneside Council has issued a reminder to those living in the borough that it will offer support to any family who needs it, following a decision from the Government not to continue free school meals during the holidays.

Free meals are instead being provided to children by businesses, local authorities and community groups nationwide during the holidays after a motion to extend the scheme, proposed by the Labour Party and backed by Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford, was rejected in the Commons last week.

In a statement, South Tyneside Council said: “Whilst the Government is not providing any additional support to families over the school half term where a child in the household is entitled during term-time to free school meals, if any family is struggling or having a difficult time over this period you can apply to us for help with food costs.”

A number of restaurants, cafes and takeaways across the borough have already stepped up to offer free meals to youngsters, who would usually receive them at school, during this week.

Meanwhile, a petition from footballer Rashford – who received an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his work in campaigning for free school meals – calling for a further extension to the scheme has received more than 800,000 signatures over the weekend.

As a result, pressure is mounting on the Government to perform a U-turn on its decision not to extend the scheme.

Ministers said more than £60million has been provided to local authorities in England to support the most vulnerable families.

In South Tyneside, families can apply for crisis expenses both online and over the phone to help with daily living costs such as electricty, gas and food.

Applications will be considered on a case by case basis, the council says, and proof of circumstances must be provided.

Contact 0191 424 7444 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 9am and 4.30pm on Friday, to apply for support.

You can also apply online here.

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