Wirral Council is using more than £1.6 million to feed children over the school holidays as the cost of living hits families hard.

The council was given just over £3 million in March under the UK Government's Household Support Fund, given to councils across England to support those in need. More than half of this is now being used to provide help, including over 900 tonnes of food as well as grants to community groups.

Roughly a third of the cash, £520,000, helped deliver 800 tonnes of food to primary and secondary schools as well as Birkenhead Sixth Form college and specialist schools. £600,000 is being given to 32 community groups to provide food and other support in their communities.

Wirral Council Leader, Councillor Janette Williamson, said: "With the cost of living crisis putting a massive strain on many families, we were as determined as ever to put arrangements in place to ensure that local children did not go hungry this summer holiday.

"Getting such huge amounts of food to where it is needed has been a massive logistical effort, so I would like to say a heart-felt thank you to all the partners involved including, Neo Community, Edsential, nursery and school staff and to the many community, voluntary and faith groups that have stepped up once again to help local children and families."

Justine Molyneux, who runs Involve NorthWest, a charity based on the Wirral, welcomed the announcement saying, "Wirral Council have been very good" and that the charity has received three grants just this year from the council. 

Involve NorthWest runs a community hub in Rockferry that helps provide clothing and food. She said the current situation is very difficult and that people are struggling to feed their children. 

"I can only imagine what the winter months are going to be like. We are at just the beginning of what is going to be a horrific period. I do not know how some families are going to survive over the winter."

4000 families across the Wirral have received food boxes with food and recipes with another round taking place this summer according to the council. Food is also being distributed at children's centres and 3500 children will receive meals through clubs and activity centres.

The council is directing anyone struggling to buy food to visit the Wirral InfoBank website. Help is also available under a council emergency financial support scheme or call 666 5050.