More than 4,500 East Hampshire households have been helped by receiving food vouchers (with a total value over £140,000) to take some of the pressure off their finances with the rising cost of living.

And more are on the way, with eligible households being notified this month

The funding for these vouchers has come from the Household Support Fund, allocated to East Hampshire District Council by Hampshire County Council.

EHDCportfolio holder for Community Engagement, Cllr Julie Butler said: “I am very pleased that we have been able to get these vouchers out to our most vulnerable residents so quickly after receiving the funding.

“These vouchers won’t solve financial problems in themselves but will help to ensure that people who are struggling are able to put food on the table.”

Two groups of residents are eligible.

Households in receipt of council tax support will get £30 vouchers.

While households receiving housing benefit will get £50 vouchers.

They will be made available in two ways; working age recipients will receive a letter with a QR code to claim the voucher online (an offline option can be made available in exceptional circumstances).

And pensionable age recipients will receive a letter with a physical voucher.

The nearest supermarket has been pre-selected, prior to issue, based on postcode.

Visit the EHDC website at https://www.easthants.gov.uk/for more about cost of living support.