Blackpool's £700,000 boost for hungry children

The grant is part of a national scheme prompted by footballer Marcus Rashford who warned many children may go hungry without free school meals.

The Covid Winter Grant Scheme will see councils across England share £170m in additional, ring-fenced funding to help vulnerable families and individuals, with Blackpool Council receiving £704,710.

Council leader Coun Lynn Williams said: “We welcome funding from the government which will help local authorities including Blackpool Council to provide extra support such as food and other essential items to vulnerable households during the winter period.

“Blackpool Council is currently reviewing the amount awarded and the details of the government’s funding criteria to understand and plan how it can best be allocated and delivered to those in need.”

During the first lockdown when schools were closed, the council provided food parcels and vouchers to families of children eligible for free school meals.

The latest funding means meals will be able to be provided during the Christmas holidays where needed.

Blackpool South MP Scott Benton said: “No child should ever go hungry, and the extra £704,710 for Blackpool Council will ensure local families that need extra support with food and bills this winter can access it, which is very welcome news.”

He added that “with this additional support we can prevent the hunger we know is so damaging to a child’s life chances.”

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