Highland Council to launch e-vouchers for free school meals during coronavirus lockdown
Highland Council will be providing e-vouchers to families to support access to free school meals from next week.
The new service will ensure over 4000 school children across the region will continue to receive support for school meals while schools are closed.
For the majority of pupils, this will be delivered digitally through e-vouchers for use in buying food in local supermarkets.
The council said it is continuing to investigate other ways of providing food across the Highlands for vulnerable groups.
This includes working closely with High Life Highland, Eden Court and other partners including the third sector.
Councillor John Finlayson, chairman of the council's education committee, said: "The provision of school meals is a priority service that we are committed to delivering including during when schools are closed in the current times.
"I applaud the Highland Council staff who are working hard to implement this service as quickly as possible and for e-vouchers to be issued next week”.
A helpline number has been set up for anyone who is struggling and needing urgent help during this crisis.
The single line number – 0300 303 1362 – will connect callers to relevant council specialist teams and will operate Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm. All calls are free.
