Shetland to receive £38k to provide free school meals this summer

Maree Todd MSP

Shetland will receive £38,000 to provide free school meals during the summer holiday, it has been confirmed. 

The Scottish government announced the scheme would be continued earlier this month – and has now confirmed a total package of £27.6 million had been made available to support the provision. 

Shetland’s share comes on top of a £68,000 already announced for the wider provision of food support. 

The schools scheme has been extended in recognition of the hardships many families are facing due to Covid-19 – which has seen food bank use for Shetland children increase by 400 per cent. 

Highlands & Islands MSP Maree Todd said: “We know that this pandemic has put real financial pressure on families, and it’s right that the Scottish government has ensured Shetland Islands 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 families in Shetland and an important way of ensuring their children receive the nutritious food they need. That is why it is so important that support continues while schools remain closed. 

“This extra support will make a huge difference to children and their families in Shetland and across Scotland, and help to ensure the most vulnerable people in our society receive support during this pandemic.”