Food voucher scheme extended for low-income families

Eligible families in Brent will continue to get food vouchers during the school holidays, making sure children on free school meals don’t go hungry.

Brent has extended the scheme until the end of the Easter holidays next year. Households with an income of less than £7,400 a year will automatically receive the vouchers. The support is especially important during the holidays when free school meals aren’t available.

The scheme is funded through the government’s Household Support Fund (HSF) for 2025–26. The council has agreed that extending the scheme would provide the best targeted support for families on low incomes.

“No child in Brent should go hungry because of the cost-of-living crisis,” said Cllr Promise Knight, Lead Member for Customer Experience, Resident Support, and Culture.

“We want children to have the security of a good meal during the holidays. This is about dignity, fairness, and giving our young people the best start in life.”

Continuing the vouchers means that all families on the lowest incomes will get extra support without having to fill out forms or apply over the phone.

The voucher scheme is just part of Brent’s wider support for residents. Other initiatives include help with employment skills, debt advice, and energy costs, all aimed at building resilience and reducing long-term hardship. Visit Brent’s cost of living webpage for further information.