Thank you for contacting me about Marcus Rashford's campaign on child food poverty.
I applaud the work Mr Rashford has done to highlight the issue of food poverty, and I welcome that his efforts have been recognised with an MBE.
To help families experiencing financial hardship through the pandemic, a vast package of support was brought in to alleviate everyday pressures. The national free school meal (FSM) voucher scheme launched last year has meant that eligible children would continue to receive nutritious food during periods of school closure. Now that students have returned to schools and colleges, those who are eligible will now receive free school meals in their educational settings. In cases where eligible children cannot attend school as they are self-isolating, schools are expected to continue to provide free school meals support.
These measures are operating in conjunction with other forms of government support; so far, 11.2 million jobs have been protected through unprecedented income support schemes, boosting welfare support by billions, including through an increase to Universal Credit of £20 a week. I am pleased that this increase to the standard allowance was extended, alongside both the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme, until September 2021. Alongside this, more than £230 million has also been given to councils to assist those struggling to afford food and essentials.
I am also encouraged that the Holiday Activities and Food Programme has been extended until Christmas 2021, with up to £220 million being made available to local authorities. This will mean all children eligible for FSM will have the option to join a holiday-time programme that provides healthy food and enriching activities.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.