Hyslop Welcomes Additional £505,000 for Free School Meals in West Lothian
Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the Scottish Government’s extension to Free School Meals for eligible children in West Lothian over the summer through a package of £27.6 million of additional funding from the Scottish Government.
West Lothian Council will receive £505,000 funding from the Scottish Government for free school meals during the summer holiday period and £444,000 for the wider provision of food support.
Fiona commented,
“We know that this pandemic has put real financial pressure on families, and it’s right that the Scottish Government has ensured West Lothian Council can continue to provide free school meals and support families, children and young people who need some extra help at this challenging time.
“Free school meals are vital for some families in West Lothian and are an important way of ensuring their children receive the nutritious food they need. It is so important that this support can continue while schools re closed over the summer.”
ENDS
Notes:
Individuals who are unable to access or afford food and cannot get the help they need from family, friends or neighbours are encouraged to call the national assistance helpline. The free helpline number is 0800 111 4000, or can be contacted via a textphone on 0800 111 4114. The helpline is open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm.
Callers will be put through to speak to someone at their local council. They’ll be able to advise on what types of help are available. This might include:
– food, if you’re not able to get the day-to-day food you need
– medication, if you’re not able to pick up the prescriptions you need
– access to local social work services
– emotional support
– contact with local volunteer groups