Families of children currently receiving free school meals across Devon will automatically be sent supermarket vouchers to help them buy food over the half-term break.

Almost 17,000 food vouchers worth over a quarter of a million pounds are being distributed to families this half-term as Devon County Council continues to combat holiday hunger.

The vouchers – worth £15 a week for each child – can be redeemed in major supermarkets across Devon, and will replace the meals their children would have had in school.

Arrangements will be in place for families who cannot get to a supermarket, the council has confirmed.

More than 310 schools across the county are helping to distribute the vouchers – worth £252,000 – to the families of their pupils, and the scheme is part of a previously agreed £2m programme organised by Devon County Council to combat holiday hunger over the Christmas, half-term and Easter breaks.

And the number of children receiving free school meals has risen by around 15 per cent in the last six months, with 16,800 families now able to claim, compared to 14,774 back in November.

Devon County Council's head of communities, Simon Kitchen, said "The coronavirus pandemic has put a real strain on many family budgets. And we've seen a big increase in the number of families claiming free school meals over this time last year. The figure in Devon now stands at 16,800.

"We organised similar vouchers at Christmas, Easter and the last half-term and it's important that we continue to support children and families in need.

"These vouchers replace the free school meals that children receive during term time and it's a lifeline for many families.

"That's why I'm very pleased that so many Devon schools have agreed to help us out with the distribution to make sure nobody misses out."

He added: "In addition to issuing the vouchers to families directly, we're also working with our Early Help teams, children's centres, food networks and district councils to help vulnerable families who may not be eligible for free school meals.

"Devon County Council received over £2m from the Government last year to support this programme.

"I encourage anyone who is struggling to get in touch because support is available."

Many families in Devon have seen their financial circumstances change due to the pandemic, and the council is urging people to check if they are eligible for the support as soon as possible if you didn't previously qualify for free school meals but your income has reduced or stopped.

The quickest and easiest way for your eligibility to be assessed is through the Devon County Council website and you will get an instant decision. Alternatively, contact Devon County Council's education helpline on 0345 155 1019.