Thousands of families in Greater Manchester, particularly in Oldham, will benefit from a £15 payment per eligible child during the upcoming May half-term.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to alleviate the financial strain on families who struggle to afford food during school breaks. This funding is especially important for those who rely on free school meals during term time.
According to Manchester Evening News, the support will help ease the pressure of holiday hunger and provide much-needed financial assistance to households across the region, where the cost of living continues to impact many families.
Funding in Greater Manchester to Reduce Holiday Hunge
The payments are part of the government’s Household Support Fund, designed to help alleviate the financial burden faced by families when schools are closed.
Every child in Oldham who qualifies for free school meals is eligible to receive the one-off payment. Around 21,000 children in Oldham are expected to benefit from this initiative.
In addition to the May half-term payment, Oldham council will distribute £60 per eligible child for the summer holidays and £40 per eligible child for the Christmas holidays. This is aimed at reducing hunger among children who would typically receive free meals during school terms.
Expanding Support and Payments through the Household Support Fund
The Household Support Fund, which began in October 2021, has been extended several times. Most recently, the government agreed to fund the scheme for another year starting from April 1, 2025.
The fund helps families with food, energy, and other essential living costs, and it is managed by local councils, who allocate the funds based on individual needs.
As Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall MP, put it :
The Household Support Fund has been a lifeline for people who are struggling with the cost of living.
Breakfast Clubs and Other Support Programs
The government also launched free breakfast clubs in 750 primary schools across the country on April 21, providing both childcare and meals to students. This initiative ensures that children have access to free food and drink in addition to free childcare for 30 minutes each school day.
Oldham council further supports families through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, offering free meals and activities for low-income families, regardless of whether they qualify for free school meals. This programme helps families access both fun and nutritious food during school breaks.
Rochdale council has also been allocated £4.1 million in additional funding as part of this ongoing initiative, which will be distributed between April 2025 and March 2026. This further emphasizes the government’s commitment to supporting families across Greater Manchester.