Free holiday meals for poorer children in Scotland

The Scottish Government is funding free meals and activities over the summer holidays for children from low income families.

National charity Cash for Kids, CentreStage in Ayrshire, Community Food Initiatives North East, Moray Food Plus, and Milton Holiday Hub in the Highlands will share the £350,000 funding.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “The school holidays are a time for fun, but I know it can be a struggle for families when schools are closed.

“That is why we are working in partnership with the third sector and councils to provide more places where children and young people can go during the school holidays to play, socialise, and, importantly, have a nutritious meal.

“We know that income is a key driver of food insecurity during the school holidays – our new Scottish Child Payment, worth £10 per week per eligible child, will lift 30,000 children out of poverty by 2023-24.”

National charity, Cash for Kids will receive £250,000 to fund a range of community groups offering holiday programmes, linking up with local authority activity across Scotland. The charity expects to reach over 61,000 children this year.

CentreStage in Ayrshire has expanded their Dignified Food Project since the Easter holidays and with £54,000 of funding will roll-out the project to 12 areas across Ayrshire.

Community Food Initiatives North East and Moray Food Plus will share a further £3,000, working in partnership with Aberdeen City Council and others to build on existing support.