Children in South Lanarkshire 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.

South Lanarkshire will receive £852,000 funding from the SNP government to support the continued provision of free school meals during the summer holiday period, and £924,000 for the wider provision of food support. 

This funding will ensure that South Lanarkshire is able to continue the provision of free school meals during the summer holidays and other food provision to help low income families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse Christina McKelvie said: 

“We know that this pandemic has put real financial pressure on families, and it’s right that the Scottish Government has ensured schools across Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse Constituency 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 South Lanarkshire 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. 

"This extra support will make a huge difference to children and their families in South Lanarkshire and across Scotland, and help to ensure the most vulnerable people in our society receive support during this pandemic.