Just a fortnight after being labelled #hartless for supporting government proposals not to extend free school meals over half term Hastings MP Sally-Ann Hart said this week: “No child should ever go hungry”.

She was welcoming government support worth £170 million for families identified as being hardest hit by the pandemic – the cash is intended to help buy food and with other winter bills.

The Covid Winter Grant Scheme will see councils across England share £170 million with East Sussex County Council (ESCC) receiving £1,594,930.86.

It will: “…prevent children from going hungry this winter and ensure local families get the help they need and builds on the £63 million already provided to councils this year to assist those struggling to buy food and essentials,” Mrs Hart explained.

A further £220 million will be invested in extending the Holiday and Food Programme until next Christmas, meaning that all children eligible for Free School Meals will have the option to join a holiday-time programme that provides healthy food and fun activities during the summer, Christmas and Easter holidays next year.

Mrs Hart said this week: “No child should ever go hungry, and the extra £1.5 million for ESCC will ensure local families that need extra support with food and bills this winter can access it, which is very welcome news.

“I’m also pleased that the Prime Minister has announced the extension of the Holiday Activities and Food programme, which provides healthy food and activities for children during the school holidays and has a massive impact on disadvantaged young people in our community, to cover Easter, Summer and Christmas next year.

“Investing in children’s future is central to the Conservative Party’s mission to level up and extend opportunity across the country, and with this additional support we can prevent the hunger we know is so damaging to a child’s life chances.”