Over 30,000 children will receive food vouchers from Sheffield City Council this week, but one councillor has claimed it will only be a short-term solution.
Eligible families will receive £30 towards food costs during the Christmas holidays as part of the cost-of-living crisis winter support package.
The scheme is supported by the government’s Household Support Fund, and comes as part of a package of council-led measures to support local families.
Labour councillor for Woodhouse Mickey Rooney said: “The vouchers are not going to solve people’s financial problems, but they’re going to help.
“I find it ironic that the government should be providing money to keep kids fed when it’s their fault that they haven’t got enough money to feed them.
“It makes me angry to see kids hungry in the twenty-first century.”
The council says people do not need to apply to the scheme, as those eligible will automatically receive a letter with information on how the vouchers can be redeemed.
Cllr Rooney said: “It’s only a short-term answer.
“What the government must do is address the fundamental problem which is that there are poor people in this country who are working their socks off to make ends meet.
“But they’ve offered a sticking plaster solution to it.”
The council has also launched the Sheffield Healthy Holidays scheme, where children can attend free activities across the city this Christmas, all of which provide hot meals.
Welcoming spaces, such as libraries, also form part of the council’s winter support package. These offer a place to stay warm, meet people and find support in navigating the cost of living crisis.
Leader of Sheffield City Council Terry Fox said: “It’s no secret that winter is going to be tough for us all.
“We’ve set up a dedicated Cost of Living webpage full of information about the support on offer, so please do get in touch as we are here to help.”
