FUNDING has been secured for free school meals over holiday breaks until spring next year. 

In a boon for struggling parents, Glasgow city council confirmed that the Scottish government has guaranteed cash to allow pupils who may otherwise go hungry to be fed over the school holidays. 

According to an update on the council's website, free school meals have been guaranteed for this year's Christmas break and the February mid-term and East breaks next year. 

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Parents are advised this does not relate to the FarmFoods voucher scheme or the additional food payment made during the summer 2020 holiday period. 

All primary one to primary four pupils will automatically receive a free school meal while at school, however, the additional holiday payment will only be made to those in receipt of a qualifying benefit and are therefore eligible for a free meal.

Payments for eligible children who are already known to the council will be made automatically by bank transfer.

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The qualifying benefits are income support, jobseekers' allowance, Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit with a household income of £7330 or less, Universal Credit with a monthly earned income of not more than £610, Child Tax Credit only with an annual income of less than £16,105, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance or if the family are asylum seekers. 

Primary five to S6 pupils whose families currently receive a qualifying benefit and receive a free school meal will be entitled to this payment which will automatically be made by bank transfer. If families have received previous grants by cheque they must now supply the council with bank details as cheques are no longer available.