Dudley Council - Holiday Food Voucher Scheme Ends Oct 26

Dear Parent or Carer,

We are writing to let you know about a change to holiday free school meal vouchers. In the past, families with children who were eligible for free school meals received food vouchers during the school holidays.

These vouchers were paid for by funding from the Government through the Household Support Fund.

What is changing?

  • The Household Support Fund (HSF) ended on 31 March 2026.

  • Vouchers will continue until 31 August 2026, but they will not be available after this date.

  • Holiday food vouchers are ending because the HSF Government funding that paid for them has now ended.

  • There is a new scheme called the Crisis and Resilience Fund, which provides support for people on low incomes who are facing a financial shock. It can also help people build longer-term financial stability. Support is provided by local councils and may include financial help or access to other services, depending on individual circumstances.

What support is still available?

  • The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme continues to run during Easter, Summer and Winter school holidays. This programme provides free activities and food for some children and young people who are eligible for Free School Meals. More information is available here: www.dudley.gov.uk/HAF

  • You can also find a range of help on the council’s cost of living webpage, including information about financial support, help with food and energy bills, and where to get further advice: www.dudley.gov.uk/council-community/cost-of-living

  • The Crisis and Resilience Fund can help residents who are facing a financial crisis, with support for essential costs as well as advice and services to help manage money and improve financial stability. For more information please follow this link: www.dudley.gov.uk/council-community/cost-of-living/crisis-and-resilience-fund

We understand this change may affect some families. Please be reassured that support is still available if you are experiencing financial difficulties, and we will share further information as local plans are confirmed.

Yours sincerely,

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council

Viren Patel