Portsmouth children receiving free school meals (benefits-related) will soon get a food voucher through their school, and an extended voucher scheme is opening for other low-income families to apply for.
For Portsmouth children who receive benefits-related free school meals at school: A £30 supermarket voucher will be automatically provided by the school for each eligible child. Vouchers should be received in early December, families don’t need to apply and should contact their school if they don’t receive one.
Portsmouth families with children aged 0-19 earning £1,870 or less a month (total household income) whose children don’t get free school meals: Can apply for a £30 supermarket voucher from 18 December 2025, if they don’t qualify for a voucher from school.
The scheme is also open for (same household income criteria):
- Households with someone 20 weeks or more pregnant
- Families with home educated children
- Families who receive a free school meals voucher but have other children not at school (aged 0-4 or 16-19).
Opens: 18 December 2025 until Thursday 26 February 2026 (closing 12pm noon).
The scheme may close early if all funding is allocated.
Apply: at www.portsmouth.gov.uk/household-support
Both voucher schemes are funded by the UK Government’s household support fund distributed by Portsmouth City Council.
In previous schemes £50 vouchers were given to families via schools and the extended scheme. The council’s decision to offer £30 vouchers this time is because of a reduction in overall household support funding allocated to Portsmouth, but it’s hoped will still go towards helping families this winter.
HAF Fun Pompey returns
Our popular holiday activities and food programme is back for the winter school holiday, offering free places for children receiving benefits-related free school meals. HAF bookings open on Saturday 22 November at 9am. Find out how to sign up on our HAF Fun Pompey website.
Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council said:
“Last summer we handed out over 11,000 vouchers to low-income Portsmouth families through our schools and our extended scheme, and we expect to help a similar number this winter.
“With the return of HAF and other support schemes on offer, as well as the wider cost of living help available to all, we are determined to keep supporting the many Portsmouth households still battling with rising living costs.”
Help to apply
Applying online for a voucher is the quickest way, but anyone who would like help to apply over the phone can call the council on 023 9268 8010.
- Our cost of living hub website has information including where to get help with food, energy and travel bills, low cost activities, money, debt, housing, jobs and health and wellbeing support.
- Our cost of living helpline is open weekdays, 9am to 5pm (closes at 4.30pm Fridays) on 023 9284 1047.