School holiday meal vouchers: everywhere you can spend them and restrictions
If you're a parent who will receive the government’s £90 school dinner allowance over the summer holidays, here’s what you need to know.
The Covid Summer Food Fund means schools can support eligible pupils through the seven weeks of the summer holidays.
How do I get my voucher?
Schools in England required parents to sign their children up to the scheme before the break began on July 13th.
Schools will have emailed or texted you a 16 digit eCode.
This must then be entered on theto redeem an eGift Card which can be spent in-store by scanning or entering the barcode at checkout.
How much will I get and what can I buy?
Parents receive a £90 voucher to cover the 6-week holiday period.
How long do my eCode and eGift card last?
The exact eCode expiry date will be listed in the email you received but all last at least one month.
If the eCode expires, it is cancelled and the money returned to the Department of Education.
School meal voucher expiration dates by supermarket
WE'VE put together how long each eGift card lasts to make it easier for you to plan your shopping trips:
Morrisons and Company Shop Group - one year.
Waitrose (John Lewis), M&S Food, Asda and Sainsbury's - two years from your last transaction.
Tesco and Aldi last five years from last time you use it
McColls - 31 December 2020
Can I refund my eGift card or exchange it for cash?
No, once ordered eGift cards cannot be refunded or exchanged.
Can I save up my eCodes?
No, the full value of the code needs to be spent in one transaction.
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Most supermarkets accept multiples of £1 per eGift card, however, some other supermarkets have larger fixed amounts that can be ordered, e.g £10.
Take advantage of the 'Eat Out to Help Out' discounts at KFC, McDonald’s, Nando’s and Costa Coffee