Thousands of children will continue to receive free school meals support during the Christmas holidays.
More than 4,700 students entitled to benefits-related free school meals will be given food vouchers worth up to £30, or the equivalent, to cover the cost of lunchtime meals during the holidays.
The vouchers will be distributed directly by schools.
Children who qualify for the early years pupil premium and are not in a school setting will have their vouchers posted directly from the council.
The free school meals food voucher scheme is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) through the government's Household Support Fund.
The scheme is intended to help vulnerable families who are struggling financially due to the rise in the cost of living.
Councillor Ivan Powell, cabinet member for children and young people, said: "I’m really pleased that the DWP grant has enabled the council to continue to provide the free school meals support for local families over the Christmas holidays.
"The rise in the cost of living is proving to be very difficult for many people, so this additional support is really important for families with children."
More information about the scheme can be found on the council's website (www.herefordshire.gov.uk/holidaysfsm).
