CHILDREN of families in Dorset experiencing financial hardship will receive free food vouchers this Easter thanks to a £320,000 grant from the government.

Children in the Dorset Council area that are currently in receipt of free school meals, and families experiencing financial hardship because of the Covid pandemic, will be eligible for supermarket vouchers over the Easter school holiday period to help pay for groceries.

The funding, totalling £320,584, has come from the government's Covid Winter Grant Scheme, which previously provided Dorset Council with more than £922,000 to support families in the Christmas holidays and February half term.

The Easter food vouchers, which will be to the value of £30 per child, will be provided through the child's school and can be redeemed at a participating supermarket of the parents' choice.

Councillor Andrew Parry, Dorset Council's portfolio holder for children, education and early help, said: "These are difficult times for everyone, but they are particularly challenging for the families who have seen a significant drop in income.

"Over the last year these food vouchers have taken some of the burden from our families and we're delighted we can continue this support during the Easter holidays."

The government has also provided funding to offer free activities to those children who are eligible for free school meals to keep them entertained in the holidays.

Dorset Council has worked with local providers to develop the Easter in Dorset Initiative, a collection of fun activities and meals for eligible children to access for free.

The council is producing 1,500 holidays bundles containing home activities, resources and a cook box filled with ingredients and recipes for cooking meals at home.

Cllr Parry said: "It's fantastic to be able to provide such a bright and fun initiative to our local children.

"We know that for many families the school holidays can be a particular pressure point, so we hope these activities will be something to be looking forward to.

"We're working with Public Health Dorset to make sure all our activities adhere to strict Covid-19 guidelines to ensure the safety of everyone involved."

Families who are eligible for the schemes do not have to choose between the free school meal vouchers and the holiday activities programme, they will be able to access both at the same time.