Summer 2026 Holiday Food Payment

Our council will provide a single payment of £87.50 per child to help cover the cost of meals while schools are closed from Thursday 2 July 2026 to Wednesday 19 August 2026. This is available to all eligible families registered for Free School Meals on financial grounds. The payment covers 35 weekdays across the school holidays at a rate of £2.50 per day.

Important information about Dumfries and Galloway Council
Important information

When will I receive the payment?

  • all eligible children who are already receiving Free School Meals, or who apply and are awarded Free School Meals by Monday 22 June, will be paid by Wednesday 1July
     
  • payments will be made using the bank details we currently hold for you
     
  • if you apply for Free School Meals after Monday 22 June, but before the school term ends, we will arrange for your payment to be issued during the holidays
     
  • new applications received after Wednesday 1July, will not be eligible for the Summer Holiday Food Payment

For more information about free school meals eligibility and how to apply, visit our Holiday food payments page.