ARGYLL and Bute Council has been praised for its “comprehensive plan” to ensure children who are eligible for free school meals still receive supplies during lockdown.

The local authority has been operating collection hubs across the region since the closure of schools in March, while Hermitage Academy is also one of six facilities being used to provide food packages to families in need or people who are shielding.

And Green MSP for the West of Scotland, Ross Greer, has hailed the council initiative after it was revealed that the daily hot meal scheme for school pupils has had an 83 per cent uptake.

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Mr Greer said: “Different councils are taking different approaches but this is one of the most comprehensive plans I’ve seen and Argyll and Bute Council should be congratulated for putting together something so comprehensive.

“This will go a long way to making sure that the most vulnerable children in our communities are fed and supported during the pandemic.

“I hope councils across Scotland who had originally adopted ‘collection hub’ models, which they then had to revise in light of the lockdown measures, will look to Argyll and Bute for an example of exactly the kind of flexible approach which gives families the support which is right for them.”

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