Free College Meals
Students aged 16-18, are continuing on the same study program they started between 16-18 years (19+ continuers) or aged 19-25 with a valid EHCP as of 31st August 2026, who themselves or live in a household that is in receipt of one of the benefits below are entitled to Free College Meals for each of the days they attend their study program. All applications for financial support will automatically be assessed for Free College Meals.
Free meals are targeted at disadvantaged students. Free meals in FE defines disadvantage as students being in receipt of, or having parents who are in receipt of, one or more of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Support under part VI of the Immigration Asylum Act 1999
- Households in receipt of Income-related Employment and Support Allowance or the guarantee element of Pension Credit may also be entitled to a meal.
Meals will be supplied through the College’s catering outlets. An allowance will be added to the student's ID card for each day shown on their College timetable. This will allow students to pay electronically for a meal in the College refectory.
The College is dedicated to promoting healthy eating as part of an active lifestyle - please click the links below to find out more about the importance of nutrition and how to include it in your daily food intake:
- NHS Change for Life
- NHS Healthy Eating
- Medway Foodbank | Helping Local People in Crisis Medway foodbank provides three days of nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred in crisis. Please note you must have a foodbank voucher to receive help from the foodbank.
- Maidstone Food Bank Maidstone have several distribution centres. Please note you must have a foodbank voucher to receive help from the foodbank.
