This year, 4,344 children have been supported by GroceryAid’s School Essentials Grant with more than £642,000 paid in one-off, non-repayable grants to help families in need.
The charity received more than 2,600 applications, [15% increase from 2021], from families seeking financial support to help purchase school necessities.
Mandi Leonard, Welfare Director at GroceryAid said: “This was the third year of running the very popular School Essentials Grant. Thank you to everyone from our GA Engage community and beyond who helped get the message about the grant to colleagues.”
Parents employed in the grocery industry for at least six months, and in receipt of Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit/ Child Element of Universal Credit, were eligible to apply for a School Essentials Grant up to the value of £150 per school-aged child (maximum of three children per household).
The grant was available to colleagues working across the grocery trade including manufacturers, supermarkets, independents retailers, wholesalers, distribution, sales and all support functions.
Recipients of the grants expressed their appreciation to GroceryAid with messages including:
“Thank you very much for looking into this for me. This grant has been such a relief to my whole family; I can’t thank you enough. I hope you all continue to help all in need, and you also stay forever valued.”
“I wanted to say a huge thank you for the grant. A huge weight has been lifted. Thank you for making our day!”
“I would like to thank you for all your help. The grant will really help me as I have been so worried. You really have given me peace of mind.”
The GroceryAid School Essentials Grant has closed for 2022. Parents can still apply for assistance with school uniform or equipment through the Government or their Local Authority. Click here for more details https://www.gov.uk/help-school-clothing-costs
If colleagues are in financial crisis, they may be eligible for a GroceryAid crisis grant. Please check for eligibility criteria as GroceryAid cannot support with the cost of school uniform or cost of living increases through this programme.
To find out more about GroceryAid’s services, click here.
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