Free lunch scheme supports local families this summer

A summer food programme designed to ease the cost of living pressure for families during the current school holiday has been well taken up by eligible families in Knowsley.

The scheme ensures that children who are usually entitled to free school meals during term time can collect healthy lunches throughout the holidays, even without going along to one of the organised Holiday Activity and Food activities on offer in the borough.

Knowsley Council has teamed up with 13 community partners across the borough, who are now running drop-ins where lunches can be collected by eligible families at various venues across the borough.

The scheme was set up by Knowsley Council and its community partners after the Government’s Household Support Fund which previously funded Free School Meal vouchers over school holidays, ended in April 2026. Councillors in Knowsley decided to step in and fund vouchers during the May school holiday, before teaming up with community partners to provide the current Summer Food programme.

This week, Cllr Jayne Lonergan, Cabinet Member for Resources in Knowsley, went along to one of the community partners taking part in the scheme, The Eco Therapy Garden in Kirkby.

There, the volunteers are offering food parcels containing everything a family would need to make at least two days worth of lunches for their children, such as bread, ham, cheese, fresh fruit, drinks and snacks.

On the morning of her visit, 20 families had already called into The Eco Therapy Garden to collect their lunches, and Cllr Lonergan discovered that many families are choosing to bring a picnic blanket and spend a few hours in the garden with their kids after collecting the food.

She said: “We’re delighted that community partners like The Eco Therapy Garden are working with us to deliver this Summer Food programme. The demand they’re seeing from local families shows just how much this scheme was needed, and how much families value this lifeline.

“But the icing on the cake is to hear that the programme is also bringing families along to places like The Eco Therapy Garden – which is like a little oasis in the middle of Tower Hill – to discover what’s on offer. In this case, there’s this beautifully tranquil garden that’s free to visit, with loads of fun activities for little ones to do, whether that’s pond dipping or bug hunting!

“I’m really proud that we were able to step in and continue the support on offer for families with children on free school meals, the most important thing is that it eases the pressure on the family budget over the summer and keeps the children fed and happy.

“If you’re eligible please don’t be shy – this scheme is for you, and you’ll also be guaranteed a warm welcome at whichever location you visit to pick up your lunches.”

Where can eligible families collect lunches this summer?

If you live in Knowsley and need any additional financial support, please visit  the council’s website or contact the team on hardshipteam@knowsley.gov.uk.