THOUSANDS of food vouchers were distributed to families across the borough of Bolton ahead of the half term break.
Vouchers totalling £20 per child were issued for all school-aged children who would normally qualify for free school meals.
The offer was also extended to qualifying pre-school children up to five-years old as well as to college students between the ages of 16 and 19.
Overall, more than 14,000 young people received food vouchers. Funding for the scheme has come from the government’s £1.1m Winter Support Grant.
Council leader David Greenhalgh said: “I know this will not be the half term that many would have wished for, but I hope these vouchers will help ease the financial pressures some families are facing.
“We have worked closely with our local schools to make sure everyone who is eligible has received the vouchers.
“I am pleased that the offer has been extended to both pre-school and college age young people to make sure that nobody misses out this half term.”