'Options being considered over food outside term time'

Options are being considered over providing food for children outside of school term times.

That's according to Education, Sport & Culture Minister, Dr Alex Allinson MHK, who was quizzed in the House of Keys earlier this week about the voucher scheme for children entitled to free school meals during the pandemic.

In response to queries on the matter from Garff MHK, Daphne Caine, Dr Allinson stated the DESC currently doesn't have the legal powers to offer food outside of term schedules but that they're bearing in mind any options.

After schools closed to all but vulnerable children and children of key workers on March 23 - a free school meal system was started in secondary schools.

However, following very low uptake, government then introduced a scheme in April to give vouchers to parents of eligible youngsters in both primary and secondary schools which could be exchanged at Shoprite stores.

Dr Allinson says there was a 91 per cent take up on the initiative prior to the TT half-term break.