More than 700 additional children to benefit from Stockport's School Meal Support scheme

Seven Hundred and Eighty additional children and young people in Stockport are eligible for paid-for lunchtime meals during term time, thanks to the third phase rollout of Stockport Council’s School Meal Support Scheme.

During this school year, the Stockport School Meal Support scheme has provided paid-for school meals to more than 1,000 children living in low-income families but not eligible to receive support from the national Free School Meals programme.

Support is available to children aged between seven and 18 years old, living in Stockport, and attending an education setting during the 2023/24 academic year, whose parents/carers receive Local Council Tax Support and/or Housing Benefits. This includes children who live in the borough but attend a school or college outside of Stockport.

We encourage parents of eligible children to check emails or council letters for the designated application link. For those who have already applied, there is no need for reapplication.

Councillor Jilly Julian, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources at Stockport Council, said, “The council is committed to supporting Stockport residents, and initiatives like the School Meal Support scheme make a real difference. I’d urge parents and carers of the children identified to check the eligibility criteria and make sure they take advantage of this support.”

Anyone struggling with the cost of living can visit the council's cost-of-living hub, which rounds up all available support, including help in a crisis. The helpline is also open from 9.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and will put you directly in touch with the Resident Advice and Support team, which can support you with a wide range of issues. The helpline can be reached on 0161 474 2140.