The Highland Council is providing families with e-vouchers entitling children to meals from supermarkets during the coronavirus lockdown.
The innovative and easy-to-use service will ensure more than 4,000 school children continue to receive support for school meals while schools are closed.
For the majority of pupils, this will be delivered digitally through e-vouchers for food in local supermarkets.
Families will be able to access the vouchers from Monday March 30.
A Highland Council statement said: “The impact of Coronavirus has caused many vulnerable families additional hardship and this process will ensure that the most vulnerable children can get food.
“Enabling choice will provide flexibility and also help to reduce waste, as food can be purchased according to need or preference in the household.”
Councillor John Finlayson, Chair of the Education Committee, welcomed the service, he said: “The provision of school meals is a priority service that we are committed to delivering including during when schools are closed in the current times.
“I applaud the Highland Council staff who are working hard to implement this service as quickly as possible and for e-vouchers to be issued next week”.
Some restrictions do apply as the e-vouchers cannot be used to purchase age restricted products such as tobacco, alcohol, lottery tickets and fuel.
Those struggling and in need of urgent help are asked to call the Highland helpline on 0300 303 1362.
The helpline is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm. All calls are free.
