On March 20, 2020, schools across the United Kingdom were closed. By
March 31, 2020, the government formally launched a national voucher
scheme to ensure that the 1.3 million eligible school-aged children will
continue to have access to meals during COVID-19-induced school closures.
Under the scheme, each school-aged child would receive £15 per week
voucher (equivalent to £3 per day), with the vouchers being redeemable at all
major supermarkets. The value of the vouchers exceeds the costs of free
school meals, as the government recognizes the increased costs placed on
parents given that they will not be purchasing food in bulk and thus will incur
higher costs. Families with school-aged children can know their eligibility
through the government website. The delivery of the vouchers will be under
the responsibility of schools. The government has also provided the flexibility for schools to utilize their existing in-house caterers and hire a local meal
delivery service provider, with the government reimbursing the additional
costs.