Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker has launched a consultation into tackling holiday hunger.

It follows the West Belfast MLA submitting a proposal for legislation in the Assembly to end holiday hunger and support children and families.

Danny Baker said:

“Helping families provide a meal for children all-year-round and not just during the school term should be a priority.

“I have launched a consultation to hear the public’s views on legislation I am seeking to bring forward which aims to financially support families during school holidays.

“This would place a legal duty on the Department of Education and Education Authority to provide payments to parents in place of free school meals outside of the school term.

“Previously, these payments were a lifeline for families that depend on free school meals and helped children receive a meal during the holidays; Tory imposed cuts stripped these away.

“I would encourage the public to have their say on ending holiday hunger by responding to this consultation.” 

Note to editor: Link to consultation can be found here – www.surveymonkey.com/r/EndingHolidayHunger