Discretionary grant vouchers during school holidays coming to an end

Suffolk County Council are letting parents know about a change to the support available during school holidays for families whose children receive free school meals.

Since 2020, Suffolk County Council has been able to provide discretionary grant supermarket vouchers through temporary government-funded schemes. We know this support has helped many families during the school holidays. The Government has now replaced the Household Support Fund with a new Crisis and Resilience Fund. This means Suffolk County Council will no longer be able to provide discretionary grant supermarket vouchers during school holidays.

The summer 2026 school holidays was the last time these supermarket vouchers were available.

We understand this news may be worrying for you. Free school meals during term time are not affected, and children who are eligible will continue to receive their usual meals at school.

From 1 October 2026, if you are experiencing financial hardship you should apply to Suffolk’s Local Welfare Assistance Scheme via their website https://suffolk.gov.uk/lwas. If eligible, you may be able to receive a cash payment or cash-out voucher to help with essential costs.

See the SCC letter to parents here