Parents who receive food shopping vouchers during the school holidays are being encouraged to take part in a survey to shape future policies.
It is hoped the feedback can help the Isle of Man Government evaluate the Free School Meal Voucher Scheme which it launched to help people during the global pandemic.
The scheme was introduced in April, to help eligible parents and carers provide meals for their children, when schools were closed.
In July, Tynwald agreed to extend the scheme by six weeks to cover the summer holidays. The decision meant those eligible continue to receive a fortnightly voucher from the Isle of Man Government - equivalent in value to 10 free school meals.
The Isle of Man Government is now asking recipients to complete and return an anonymous survey, which they will receive with this week’s vouchers. It is hoped the feedback provided will build a better picture of the challenges parents, who qualify for free school meals, face when schools are closed.
Dr Alex Allinson MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said:
‘I encourage all recipients to complete this important survey. Your feedback is valued and will help us better understand the pressures parents and carers are experiencing when schools close. The feedback will help us evaluate this scheme and influence any future schemes and policies.’
A freepost envelope has been provided with the survey and participants are encouraged to respond with their personal experiences and how valuable they believe it has been.
The Minister, added:
‘The survey covers a range of activities undertaken during the school holidays - so we would also welcome views from parents not in receipt of free school meals.’
The survey, which is also available on the Government website, closes on Monday 7 September 2020.
