Stockport Council has announced it will once again be issuing vouchers to families eligible for benefit related free school meals who attend schools in the borough.

Eligible families do not need to apply as the Council is working with Stockport schools and colleges to identify the vulnerable families in need of support and will issue vouchers directly.

The vouchers will be sent directly to families in the coming weeks via email.

Those families without email access will receive their vouchers by post.

The vouchers will be issued using the PayPoint system, which can be redeemed at local stores and in major supermarkets supporting PayPoint, and can be used for food, fuel and other winter essentials.

Please visit Paypoint for a list of the outlets in your area.

The value of vouchers will be £20 per eligible child.

The additional £5 per eligible child reflects the current national lockdown and the increased costs such as household fuel and heating. This additional funding has been made possible by the generosity of our communities through Stockport County Football Club’s Christmas fundraising.

Cllr Tom McGee, Deputy Leader of Stockport Council, said: “Once again, funding secured from central Government has enabled us to offer this vital support to families this month.

“We want to thank our communities for assisting us via Stockport County’s fundraising initiative that was held over the Christmas period.

“The community response through Covid-19 has been amazing. Our communities have come together as One Stockport to support those most affected by the pandemic.”

In order to ensure you receive your voucher please make sure your contact information is up to date with your child’s school, or you can email benefitsfsm@stockport.gov.uk

If you are not currently claiming free school meals and think you may be entitled please visit our Free School Meals section.

If you are in immediate need of financial support please visit our money advice and support pages.

A list of Frequently Asked Questions about the scheme can be found on the council's website.