The Government has made just under £500,000 available to help fund food banks and vulnerable people in Nottingham.
The money, which has been paid to the city council by DEFRA, will also be used to provide free school meal vouchers in school holidays.
It comes after the Government U-turned on a plan to distribute meals during the holidays, following a campaign by footballer Marcus Rashford.
The Labour-run Nottingham City Council said it welcomed the £464,113.62 in funding, and urged community organisations who are helping people throughout the pandemic to apply to them for some of the funding.
Councillor Rebecca Langton is the portfolio holder for communities, and represents the Bilborough ward for Labour.
She said: “We welcome this Government grant to support our most vulnerable residents during these difficult times.
“We have put arrangements in place, together with partners and volunteers in our communities, to make sure this support reaches the people who need it the most.
“The voluntary sector has been amazing throughout the pandemic in stepping up and supporting their communities – it’s great that they and local councils are being recognised for the vital work they do every day.
“This funding will be used to support food banks and social eating projects through to March next year, as well as providing food parcels to those who are clinically extremely vulnerable, have previous food or essential needs, no local friends or family and have significant financial worries.
“It is also being used to create a pot of money for local community groups to bid for to support food banks to reach working families in need – this is open for applications and I would encourage people to apply.
“The funding will also help the Citizens Advice Bureau and our welfare rights team provide extra welfare advice and support by running sessions at food distribution sites.”
Charities and volunteer organisations who would like to apply can do so here.
