Westmorland and Furness Council have confirmed it will continue to support families during the upcoming October half term holiday with Free School Meal (FSM) vouchers, funded through the Household Support Fund.
Eligible children and young people who receive benefits-related Free School Meals —including those in Early Years with a TYF code (such as Early Years Pupil Premium and Funded 2’s) —will receive a food voucher worth £17.25 per child. This amount covers the five-day school break from Monday 27 October to Friday 31 October 2025, at a rate of £3.45 per day.
The vouchers will be distributed electronically through the council’s ongoing partnership with Wonde/eVouchers, and can be redeemed at a variety of supermarkets and food retailers.
The eVoucher system will open from 8:00am on Monday 13 October 2025, allowing families to access and use their vouchers in advance of the holiday period.
Milorad Vasic, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Director of Children's Services, said: “We know that school holidays can place additional pressure on many families, so we’re pleased to be able to offer free school meal support over the half term break. Ensuring children have access to nutritious meals, even outside of term time, is a key part of our commitment to supporting families and helping every child thrive.”
Councillor Janet Battye, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: "We are committed to ensuring no child goes hungry during school holidays. By continuing this support, we are helping to ease financial pressures for families and ensuring that every eligible child in Westmorland and Furness has access to healthy meals during the half term break."
Free School Meals are available to children of statutory school age who are attending full-time education and meet the eligibility criteria.
For more information, or if families have questions about their eligibility or the voucher process, they can contact the council at: FSM.ClothingGrants@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk or call Customer Services on 0300 373 3300