FREE SCHOOL MEALS EXTENDED IN MIDLOTHIAN AND EAST LOTHIAN

LOCAL MSP WELCOMES ADDITIONAL £197,000 SUPPORT FOR MIDLOTHIAN AND £178,000 FOR EAST LOTHIAN
 
Children in Midlothian and East Lothian who are eligible for free school meals will be among those who continue to be supported over the summer through a package of £27.6 million of additional funding from the Scottish Government.
 
Midlothian will receive £197,000 and East Lothian will receive £178,000 of funding from the SNP government to support the continued provision of free school meals during the summer holiday period, with Midlothian also receiving £211,000 and East Lothian receiving £250,000 for the wider provision of food support. 
 
This funding will ensure that Midlothian and East Lothian are able to continue the provision of free school meals during the summer holidays and to provide other food provisions to help low income families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
MSP Colin Beattie said: 
 
“We know that this pandemic has put real financial pressure on families, and it’s right that the Scottish Government has ensured Midlothian and East Lothian can continue to provide free school meals and support families, children and young people who need some extra help at this challenging time. 
 
“Free school meals are vital for families in Midlothian and East Lothian and an important way of ensuring their children receive the nutritious food they need. That is why it is so important that support continues while schools remain closed. 
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"This extra support will make a huge difference to children and their families in Midlothian, East Lothian and across Scotland, and help to ensure the most vulnerable people in our society receive support during this pandemic.”