Families that have been hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and need extra support this winter with food and bills will benefit from a new £170m scheme unveiled by the Government.
The Covid Winter Grant Scheme will see councils across England share £170m in additional, ring-fenced funding to help vulnerable families and individuals.
Essex County Council will receive more than £3.8m.
This will prevent children from going hungry this winter and ensure local families get the help they need. It builds on the £63m already provided to councils this year to assist those struggling to buy food and essentials.
A further £220m will be invested in extending the Holiday and Food Programme until next Christmas, meaning all children eligible for Free School Meals will have the option to join a holiday-time programme that provides healthy food and fun activities during the summer, Christmas and Easter holidays next year.
Epping Forest MP Dame Eleanor Laing said: "This is the best way to target funds to the children who need support. No child should ever go hungry and the extra £3.8m for Essex County Council will ensure local families that need extra support with food and bills this winter can access it, which is very welcome news."
She added: "I’m also pleased the Prime Minister has announced the extension of the Holiday Activities and Food programme which provides healthy food and activities for children during the school holidays and has a massive impact on disadvantaged young people in our community, to cover Easter, Summer and Christmas next year."
