School Essentials Grant – Applications will open on Tuesday 2nd June 2026

We’re delighted to announce that the GroceryAid School Essentials Grant, supported by The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust will be running again from 2^nd June 2026 to help people currently working in the grocery industry.

GroceryAid supports people who work or have worked in grocery. This includes anyone who works for a supermarket, wholesaler, manufacturer, supplier, convenience store, independent grocer, petrol forecourt store or service provider to the grocery industry. We also support businesses in the foodservice wholesale sector and vape stores/manufacturers. Grocery is considered fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sold in supermarkets or grocery stores.

Eligible applicants may receive £150 per school-age child, for up to three children per household.

• How do I apply?

  Applications will open on Tuesday 2nd June 2026 9am and close on Thursday 4^th June at 5pm.

  The application form will be open for three days, so you’ll have plenty of time to collect any documents you need. Because the fund is capped at £1 million, everyone who meets the criteria and uploads the right information will be entered into a random selection. This helps make the process fair for everyone and ensures shift workers and busy families won’t feel rushed.

• Who is eligible for the grant?

  To apply for GroceryAid School Essentials Grant, you need to meet the following criteria:

  • You’ve been working for a grocery employer for at least six months
  • You’re already receiving Universal Credit for school-age children (aged 4-18 as of 31st August 2025)
  • Your household savings/bank balances are less than £4,000

• What do I need to apply?

  You will need to be ready to upload onto the application form copies of:

  • A current payslip from May 2026 that clearly shows your name, employer and NI number
  • Your current Universal Credit statement from April/May showing the payment amount, full breakdown (including child element) and your name and address
  • If you receive a £0 UC award then you will need to evidence why

Our application form is quick and easy to complete. The most common reason people miss out is simply because the right information wasn’t uploaded, so it’s worth having everything ready before you begin. Your application is completely confidential and details won’t be shared with your employer.

You may be eligible for a higher grant award by applying for a Financial Grant if something has changed recently in your household which has led to a drop in income. Click here to see if you are eligible.