The Welsh government is investing £500,000 into providing school meals and activities for pupils from deprived communities during the summer holidays.
The money will help provide breakfast, lunch, education about eating healthily and a programme of activities developed through the schools taking part, said the Welsh education secretary Kirsty Williams.
Five local authorities in Wales already run such schemes and councils will be able to access the new funding for the 2017/18 financial year.
‘The reality is for some of our young people the school summer holidays can be a difficult time,’ said Ms Williams.
‘Children who benefit from free school breakfasts and lunches often miss meals and go hungry once their school closes for the holidays, while the lack of free play schemes and sports activities can have an impact on those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds.
‘My ambition is to make sure everyone in Wales, no matter what their background, has the opportunity to thrive and achieve their best.’
‘I remain committed to closing the achievement gap between the pupils from our most deprived communities and those from more prosperous areas,’ she added.
