The North Herts Healthy Hub, a service run by the district council, has contacted local community groups and created a flyer to sign post residents in need to local food providers in their area.

The flyers list a number of organisations throughout the district who are able to provide food parcels and essential items to those who are struggling.

The national campaign against food poverty led by Marcus Rashford has highlighted the harsh reality faced by families reliant on free school meals during the school holidays.

This year, the pandemic has added to the pressure on families to manage over the school breaks.

Councillor Judi Billing, NHDC's Executive Member for Community Engagement, said: "As an administration we are deeply disappointed in the government and the county council for not making arrangements for children entitled to free school meals to have meals or vouchers over this half term.

"We encourage anyone in the district with a need for meals for their children at half term to contact one of the groups in our food provision network.

"We hope that government will have seen sense long before the Christmas holidays but if they don't we will ensure that any children in need of food in the school holidays are able to get the help they need in a friendly and supportive way."

The North Herts Healthy Hub is open during half term week and the team is available to speak to families who need emergency help with food, energy bills and other essential items.

If your family needs support, please contact the Healthy Hub or one of the organisations listed on the flyer.

Call North Herts Healthy Hub on 01462 474111

Or email [email protected]