ESSEX County Council has stepped in to announce today (Friday, 23 October) that it is providing emergency grants for foodbanks to help make sure they have enough supplies over this coming half term.

The authority is launching the 'Half Term Emergency Fund' for foodbanks and other organisations which provide food to communities. Foodbanks will be able to apply for a grant of up to £2,500 to help make sure they have enough supplies to cover the half term.

The move follows the decision yesterday by the Government not to provide free school meals over next week's school break.

The county council is also working with the Active Essex programme to extend its Holiday Hunger programme through next week.

This will mean 33 programmes will be available across the county and more than 1,000 children provided with free activities and food. This scheme is an extension to the very popular summer holidays activity scheme.

The project links with schools, foodbanks, local churches, local authorities and the Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service to identify families who would benefit.

Councillor Louise McKinlay, Cabinet Member for Children and Families said: "We are committed to making sure that no child in Essex goes hungry. I want to reach out to families to reassure them that there is support available with two key schemes for this half term.

"First, our Holiday Hunger programme is starting from Monday. It will benefit our children and their families who are most in need in our county, providing them with access to a meal, additional support as well as free activities.

"Second, we are also offering funding to foodbanks and other organisations that are a lifeline to many, especially during school holidays. These two areas of support, whilst focused on half term are part of the continuing offer for families and I would like to reassure everyone that we are working to respond to the very real challenges faced by many Essex families at this time."

Eligible foodbanks and organisations can find out more information about the Half Term Emergency Fund here and apply through the Essex Association of Local Councils.