Vulnerable families in Liverpool are set to receive extra support with food bills this summer.
Liverpool has been awarded £6 million from the Household Support Fund to be split between households with young people, those of pensionable age and other households who would otherwise struggle to buy food or pay essential utility bills.
Eligible families with children under one (in receipt of Universal Credit/Housing Benefit/Council Tax Support), families with youngsters aged two years who are entitled to free early education, and families with children entitled to benefits-related free school meals will receive nine weeks’ worth of £15 supermarket vouchers per child, benefiting 25,000 youngsters.
Food vouchers for children entitled to free school meals will be distributed by schools before the summer break.
Families with younger children under one will receive a letter inviting them to visit their local Children and Family Centre. Families with eligible 2 year olds will be contacted by their child’s nursery or by letter.
A further 316 care leavers will receive a supermarket voucher to the value of £135 and a £200 fuel voucher.
Funding will also be used to support up to 10,000 other families identified by children’s social care and 3,500 families through the Liverpool Citizens Support Scheme (LCSS).
If you are not a family that is automatically eligible for LCSS funds please visit the council’s website or call Freephone 0800 456 1523 or 0151 233 3053, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Vouchers are being allocated to people of pensionable age by social work teams and the Carers Centre is working to ensure that vouchers reach carers across city.
Cllr Frazer Lake, Cabinet Member for Adults and Children’s Social Care, said: “Making sure our children and young people are fed and that they are fed well is always a priority for us, and particularly during summer when parents are facing additional pressures due to the school holidays.
“Issuing vouchers means that families can choose their own food from their regular supermarket and be confident of its quality.
“I would encourage anyone who is struggling, whether you have children or not, to contact the Liverpool Citizens Support scheme. The team will be able to advise whether you are entitled to any support for basic living expenses.”