Can Food Banks Help With School Holiday Hunger? A Parent’s Guide

Can Food Banks Help With School Holiday Hunger? A Parent’s Guide

School holidays should be a time of joy and relaxation for children. However, for many families across the UK, these periods bring financial strain and worry about putting food on the table. With more than 3 million children at risk of holiday hunger during school breaks, this issue affects communities nationwide.

The challenge is clear: when schools close, free school meals stop. For families who rely on these meals to help feed their children, this creates an immediate financial gap. A typical family with two children might need to find an extra £30-40 per week just to cover the meals their children would normally receive at school. Add to this the increased costs of heating, electricity, and childcare during holiday periods, and the pressure becomes overwhelming for many.

Food banks across the UK have recognized this growing need and many have adapted their services to provide specific support during school holidays. This guide explains how food banks can help your family through school holidays, how to access their services, and what other support is available to ensure your children don’t go hungry when school is out.

Whether you’re facing holiday hunger for the first time due to the cost-of-living crisis or have struggled with this issue before, this article will provide practical information to help you navigate the support available and access the help your family needs.

Understanding School Holiday Hunger

What is School Holiday Hunger?

School holiday hunger refers to the situation where children who normally receive free school meals during term time face food insecurity during school holidays. This is a significant issue in the UK, affecting approximately 3 million children nationwide.

Recent research from the Food Foundation shows that food insecurity among families with children has increased substantially in recent years. During school holidays, this problem intensifies as parents face the challenge of providing additional meals that would normally be covered by school.

The impact of holiday hunger extends beyond just empty stomachs. Children who don’t eat properly during holidays can experience:

• Poorer physical health and development
• Reduced mental wellbeing and increased stress
• Lower academic achievement when returning to school
• Social isolation from missing out on holiday activities
• Long-term effects on educational outcomes

A study by the University of Bristol found that children who experience holiday hunger often return to school less ready to learn, with some teachers reporting it can take up to seven weeks for children to return to their previous learning levels.

Why School Holidays Create Financial Pressure

School holidays create a perfect storm of financial pressures for many families:

• Loss of free school meals: For children who receive free school meals, this represents a loss of 10 nutritious meals per child over a two-week holiday. For a family with two children, this means finding an extra £30-40 per week just to replace these meals.
• Additional childcare costs: Many parents face increased childcare expenses during holidays, with holiday clubs costing an average of £138 per week according to recent figures.
• Increased household bills: With children at home all day, families see higher energy and water usage, leading to bigger utility bills.
• Extra food costs: Beyond replacing school meals, children at home typically eat more snacks and drinks throughout the day, further increasing food bills.
• Cost-of-living crisis impact: The recent rises in food prices have hit families particularly hard, with basic food items seeing some of the highest inflation rates.

For families already on tight budgets, these combined pressures can make school holidays a time of significant stress and financial hardship rather than a period of relaxation and family time.

How Food Banks Can Help During School Holidays

Types of Support Available

Food banks across the UK have recognized the increased pressure on families during school holidays and many have adapted their services to provide specific support during school holidays.

Emergency Food Parcels

The core service of most food banks is providing emergency food parcels. These typically contain:

• Non-perishable food items to last at least three days
• Balanced nutritional content including protein, carbohydrates, and some fruit/vegetables
• Basic toiletries and household essentials
• Baby supplies where needed (nappies, formula, baby food)

During school holidays, many food banks modify their standard parcels to better support families with children.

Enhanced Holiday Parcels for Families

Recognizing the specific challenges of school holidays, many food banks now offer enhanced parcels for families that include:

• Extra food items to account for children being home all day
• More child-friendly foods that are easy to prepare
• Recipe cards with meal ideas using the provided ingredients
• Snack items that would normally be provided at school

The Trussell Trust, which runs the UK’s largest network of food banks, reports that many of their centers provide up to 50% more food to families during school holidays compared to term time.

Additional Non-Food Items

Beyond food, many food banks offer additional items that can be particularly helpful during school holidays:

• Activity packs for children
• Books and educational materials
• Toiletries and sanitary products
• Household cleaning supplies
• Pet food for family pets

These additional items can help reduce the overall financial burden on families and provide some activities to keep children engaged during the holidays.

Signposting to Other Services

Food banks often act as a gateway to other forms of support. Staff and volunteers are typically trained to provide information about:

• Local holiday clubs and activities
• Benefit entitlements and how to claim them
• Debt advice services
• Energy and water support schemes
• Mental health support for parents and children

This holistic approach recognizes that holiday hunger is often part of a broader set of challenges that families face.

Food Banks in Schools

A recent study found that there are now more than 4,000 school-based food banks across England – approximately one in every five schools. These school-based food banks offer several advantages:

• Familiar and accessible location for families
• Reduced stigma as they’re integrated into the school community
• Staff who already know the families and their circumstances
• Ability to target support to those most in need

During school holidays, many school-based food banks continue to operate, though often with modified opening hours. Some schools send children home with extra food on the last day of term or provide food collection points that remain accessible during holidays.

The benefit of school-based food banks is that they can often identify families in need before a crisis point is reached. Teachers and school staff are well-positioned to notice signs that a family might be struggling and can make discreet referrals to the food bank service.

Accessing Food Banks During School Holidays

Finding Your Local Food Bank

The first step to accessing food bank support is finding your nearest service. There are several ways to locate food banks in your area – all of these can be found on our Food Bank Directory :

• The Trussell Trust Foodbank Network: The Trussell Trust operates the UK’s largest network of food banks. 
• Independent Food Banks: Many communities have independent food banks not affiliated with the Trussell Trust. 
• School-Based Food Banks: Ask at your child’s school if they operate a food bank or can direct you to local services that remain open during holidays.

When searching for food banks, it’s worth noting that some operate only on specific days or have limited opening hours during school holidays, so check this information before planning your visit.

The Referral Process Explained

Most food banks operate on a referral system, though this can vary between different providers:

Trussell Trust Food Banks

Trussell Trust food banks typically require a referral voucher or e-voucher from an authorized agency. These referral agencies include:

• Citizens Advice
• Schools and children’s centers
• GP surgeries and health visitors
• Social workers
• Local council support teams
• Housing associations
• Domestic abuse services

The referral agency will assess your situation and provide a voucher if they determine you’re in need of emergency food support.

Independent Food Banks

Independent food banks may have different referral processes:

• Some operate similar voucher systems to the Trussell Trust
• Others accept self-referrals where you can approach them directly
• Some use a combination approach, accepting both vouchers and self-referrals

School-Based Food Banks

School-based food banks often have a more flexible approach:

• Teachers or school staff may identify families in need
• Parents can approach the school directly to request support
• Some operate on a community pantry model where anyone can access support

What Information You’ll Need

When seeking a referral, you’ll typically need to provide:

• Basic details about yourself and your family
• Information about your financial situation
• Explanation of why you need emergency food support
• Number of adults and children in your household

This information helps ensure the food parcel you receive is appropriate for your family’s needs.

What to Expect When Visiting

Visiting a food bank for the first time can feel daunting, but understanding what to expect can help ease any anxiety:

The Typical Food Bank Experience

1. Arrival and Welcome: You’ll be greeted by volunteers who will ask for your referral voucher if required.
2. Brief Assessment: A volunteer may have a short conversation with you about your situation and specific needs.
3. Food Parcel Preparation: While you wait, volunteers will prepare a food parcel tailored to your household size and any dietary requirements.
4. Collection: You’ll receive your food parcel, which is typically packed in discreet bags or boxes.
5. Additional Support: Many food banks offer a cup of tea and a chat, and can provide information about other support services.

What’s Included in a Food Parcel

A typical food parcel contains enough food for at least three days and includes:

• Cereal and breakfast items
• Soup, pasta, rice, and pasta sauce
• Tinned vegetables, beans, and fruit
• Tinned meat and fish
• Tea, coffee, and long-life milk
• Biscuits and snacks
• Basic toiletries

During school holidays, parcels for families often include extra items suitable for children’s lunches and snacks.

How Often You Can Visit

Policies on repeat visits vary between food banks:

• Some limit support to three visits in a six-month period
• Others assess each request on a case-by-case basis
• Many make exceptions during school holidays, recognizing the additional pressure on families
• School-based food banks often provide weekly support throughout holiday periods

If you need ongoing support, food bank staff can often help you address the underlying causes of food insecurity through referrals to other services.

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme

What is the HAF Programme?

The Holiday Activities and Food programme is a government-funded initiative designed to provide free holiday club places to children from low-income families across England. Launched nationwide in 2021 following successful pilot schemes, the programme now operates during the Easter, summer, and Christmas school holidays.

The HAF programme offers:

• Free, nutritious meals that meet school food standards
• Enriching activities such as sports, games, arts, and crafts
• Opportunities for children to develop new skills
• Safe spaces for children to play and socialize
• Support for parents through reduced childcare costs

Local authorities receive funding to coordinate HAF provision in their areas, working with schools, charities, community groups, and activity providers to deliver the programme. This means the specific activities and support available can vary between different locations, but all must meet core quality standards set by the Department for Education.

The programme aims to address not just holiday hunger but also the social isolation, physical inactivity, and learning loss that can occur during school holidays for disadvantaged children.

Eligibility Requirements

The primary eligibility criterion for the HAF programme is that children must be eligible for benefits-related free school meals. This means their family must be receiving one of the following benefits:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit run-on
• Universal Credit with a household income of less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits)

It’s important to note that this differs from universal infant free school meals, which are available to all children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 regardless of family income.

While the programme primarily targets children eligible for free school meals, many local authorities use their discretion to offer places to other vulnerable children, including:

• Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
• Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
• Children assessed as being in need, at risk, or vulnerable
• Young carers
• Children in family intervention programmes

Some areas also offer paid places to children who don’t meet the eligibility criteria, allowing them to participate while helping to fund the programme.

How to Access HAF Programmes

Accessing HAF programmes involves several steps:

1. Check eligibility: Confirm whether your child is eligible for benefits-related free school meals or falls into one of the other priority groups.
2. Contact your local authority: Each council manages their own HAF programme. Visit your local council’s website or call their main number to find information about HAF provision in your area.
3. Find local providers: Your local authority should provide a list of organizations delivering HAF activities in your area. These might include schools, youth clubs, sports clubs, or community centers.
4. Register your child: Most HAF programmes require advance registration. This can usually be done online, by phone, or through your child’s school.
5. Arrange attendance: Once registered, you’ll receive information about dates, times, locations, and what your child should bring.

When attending HAF activities, children typically need:

• Appropriate clothing for the activities planned
• A water bottle
• Sun protection during summer programmes
• Any necessary medication

Most HAF programmes run for at least four hours a day and provide at least one nutritious meal. Many offer full-day provision, which can be particularly helpful for working parents.

If transport is a barrier to attendance, it’s worth asking if the programme offers any support with this, as some local authorities provide transport assistance for families who need it.

Alternative Support for Holiday Hunger

FareShare and Community Food Projects

Beyond traditional food banks, there are several other food support initiatives that can help families during school holidays:

FareShare

FareShare is the UK’s largest charity fighting hunger and food waste. They redistribute surplus food from the food industry to frontline charities and community groups, including many that support families during school holidays.

FareShare supports:

• Holiday clubs providing free meals for children during school holidays
• Community kitchens offering eat-in or takeaway meals
• Food pantries where families can shop at heavily reduced prices
• Breakfast clubs that continue during holidays

To access FareShare support, you don’t approach them directly. Instead, look for local community organizations that receive FareShare food. Your local council or Citizens Advice should be able to direct you to these services.

Community Fridges and Pantries

Community fridges and pantries operate differently from food banks:

• Community Fridges: These are spaces where surplus food from local businesses and individuals is made available for anyone to take. There are no eligibility criteria or limits on use. The UK now has over 300 community fridges, coordinated by the environmental charity Hubbub.
• Community Pantries: These operate like low-cost shops where members can purchase food at a fraction of supermarket prices. Typically, you pay a small weekly membership fee (often £3-5) and can then select a set number of items. Many pantries offer additional free items during school holidays.
• Pay-as-you-feel Cafes and Supermarkets: These initiatives allow you to pay what you can afford for meals or groceries. The Real Junk Food Project runs several such cafes across the UK, using surplus food that would otherwise go to waste.

These community food projects often provide a more dignified experience than traditional food banks, as they don’t require referrals and allow more choice over the food you receive.

Local Authority Support

Local councils offer various forms of support that can help families during school holidays:

Household Support Fund

The Household Support Fund provides money to local authorities to support vulnerable households. During school holidays, many councils use this funding to provide:

• Food vouchers for children eligible for free school meals
• Direct cash payments to low-income households
• Funding for holiday clubs and activities
• Crisis grants for essential items

Contact your local council’s welfare support team or check their website to find out what holiday support is available in your area.

Local Welfare Assistance

Many councils run local welfare assistance schemes that can provide emergency support, including:

• Supermarket vouchers
• Pre-payment meter top-ups for energy
• Essential household items
• Crisis loans or grants

These schemes vary significantly between different local authorities, both in terms of what they offer and their eligibility criteria.

Food Voucher Schemes

Some local authorities provide food vouchers directly to families during school holidays. These are typically:

• Worth £15-20 per child per week
• Redeemable at major supermarkets
• Distributed through schools before holidays begin
• Available to children eligible for free school meals

Check with your child’s school or local council to see if such schemes operate in your area.

Charitable Initiatives

Various charities run programmes specifically targeting holiday hunger:

One Can Trust School Meal Project

The One Can Trust School Meal Project works with schools to identify families who might struggle during holidays and provides food parcels directly through schools. This discreet approach helps reduce stigma and ensures support reaches those who need it.

Feeding Britain Holiday Clubs

Feeding Britain runs holiday clubs in various locations across the UK, providing:

• Free meals for children during school holidays
• Fun activities for children
• Food education and cooking skills
• Take-home food parcels for families

These clubs are typically free to attend for children eligible for free school meals.

Children’s Right2Food Campaign

While not providing direct food support, this campaign advocates for policy changes to address child food poverty. Their website offers useful resources for parents and information about available support.

Local Charity Support

Many local charities run their own holiday hunger initiatives. These might include:

• Church-based holiday clubs with meals
• Community center lunch programmes
• Sports clubs offering activities with food included
• Local food projects providing ingredients and recipes

Your child’s school, local council, or Citizens Advice should be able to direct you to these local initiatives.

Planning Ahead for School Holidays

Budgeting Tips for Parents

School holidays require careful financial planning, especially if your family budget is already stretched. Here are some practical strategies to help manage the additional costs:

Preparing for Increased Food Costs

• Audit your food spending: In the weeks before holidays, track exactly what you spend on food to understand your baseline costs.
• Create a holiday food budget: Calculate how much extra you’ll need to spend on food during the holidays (approximately £15-20 per child per week to replace school meals).
• Build a small reserve: If possible, try to set aside a small amount each week during term time to create a holiday food fund.
• Look for supermarket deals: Many supermarkets run “Kids Eat Free” promotions during school holidays when parents purchase an adult meal.

Meal Planning Strategies

• Plan weekly menus: Create a meal plan for each week of the holidays, focusing on nutritious, low-cost meals.
• Shop with a list: Make a detailed shopping list based on your meal plan and stick to it to avoid impulse purchases.
• Reduce food waste: Plan to use leftovers creatively in subsequent meals to maximize your food budget.
• Cook from scratch: Pre-prepared foods are typically more expensive than cooking from basic ingredients.

Batch Cooking and Freezing Meals

• Cook in bulk: Prepare larger quantities of meals that freeze well, such as stews, soups, and pasta sauces.
• Portion and freeze: Divide batch-cooked meals into family-sized portions before freezing for easy defrosting.
• Label clearly: Mark containers with contents and dates to keep track of your freezer inventory.
• Organize cooking days: Dedicate one day to batch cooking several meals to save time and energy costs.

Low-Cost Nutritious Meal Ideas

• Vegetable-based meals: Dishes like vegetable curry, bean chili, or pasta with tomato sauce are nutritious and inexpensive.
• Eggs as protein: Eggs are a versatile, affordable protein source for meals like omelettes, frittatas, or egg fried rice.
• Porridge and cereals: Wholegrain breakfast cereals and porridge provide sustained energy at low cost.
• Sandwich fillings: Affordable options include egg mayonnaise, tuna with sweetcorn, or cheese and cucumber.

Applying for Support in Advance

To avoid crisis situations during holidays, it’s advisable to seek support before the holidays begin:

When to Start Seeking Help

• At least two weeks before holidays: Begin investigating what support is available in your area.
• As soon as holiday dates are announced: Register for HAF programmes, which often fill up quickly.
• When schools send holiday information: Many schools provide details about holiday support alongside term dates.
• Before previous support ends: If you’ve received holiday support before, check if you need to reapply.

Gathering Necessary Documentation

Having the right documents ready can speed up the support application process:

• Proof of benefits (award letters or recent statements)
• Proof of address (utility bill or council tax statement)
• Identification for you and your children
• Details of any dietary requirements or allergies
• Information about your financial situation

Planning for Multiple Holiday Periods

School holidays occur throughout the year, so it’s helpful to plan ahead for all of them:

• Create a calendar: Mark all school holidays for the year and note when support applications open.
• Research seasonal variations: Some support is only available during certain holidays (particularly summer and Christmas).
• Build relationships: Establishing connections with support providers during one holiday can make accessing help easier in subsequent holidays.
• Provide feedback: If you access holiday support, providing feedback can help organizations improve their services for future holidays.

Supporting Your Child’s Nutritional Needs

Balanced Meals on a Budget

Ensuring your children receive proper nutrition during school holidays is challenging when finances are tight. Here are practical approaches to maintaining nutritional quality while using food bank supplies:

Nutritional Priorities During School Holidays

When resources are limited, focus on these nutritional priorities:

• Protein sources: Essential for growth and development, aim to include some protein in each main meal
• Fruits and vegetables: Important for vitamins and minerals, even if tinned or frozen
• Whole grains: Provide sustained energy and fiber
• Calcium-rich foods: Critical for bone development
• Adequate hydration: Water is the best and most affordable drink

Children need regular meals and snacks throughout the day to maintain energy levels and concentration. Try to establish a regular meal pattern similar to school days.

Making the Most of Food Bank Supplies

Food bank parcels typically contain staple items that can form the foundation of nutritious meals:

• Tinned proteins: Tuna, salmon, sardines, beans, and lentils can be the basis for many meals
• Pasta and rice: Versatile bases that can be combined with various ingredients
• Tinned vegetables: Add to pasta sauces, soups, and stews
• Breakfast cereals: Provide a reliable start to the day
• UHT milk: Essential for calcium intake and useful in many recipes

When receiving a food parcel, check through items immediately and plan meals based on what you’ve received, prioritizing any fresh items that won’t keep long.

Supplementing Food Parcels with Fresh Items

If you have a small budget to supplement food bank parcels:

• Prioritize fresh produce: Even small amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables can significantly improve nutritional value
• Look for reduced items: Check supermarket reduced sections, especially in evenings
• Visit local markets: Often cheaper for fresh produce than supermarkets
• Grow simple herbs: Even windowsill herbs like basil or mint can add flavor to basic meals
• Community gardens: Some areas have community gardens where you can access fresh produce

Child-Friendly Recipes Using Typical Food Bank Items

Here are some simple, nutritious recipes using items commonly found in food bank parcels:

• Tuna pasta bake: Combine tinned tuna, pasta, and any vegetables available
• Bean chili: Mix tinned beans, tinned tomatoes, and mild spices
• Vegetable soup: Use tinned vegetables with stock cubes and pasta
• Sardines on toast: A quick meal rich in omega-3 fatty acids
• Rice pudding: Made with UHT milk and a little sugar for a comforting dessert

These meals require minimal cooking equipment and ingredients while providing good nutritional value.

Addressing Stigma and Emotional Wellbeing

The emotional aspects of food insecurity can be as challenging as the practical ones. Here’s how to navigate these sensitive issues:

Talking to Children About Food Banks

How you discuss food banks with your children depends on their age and understanding:

• Younger children: Simple explanations about community sharing and helping each other
• Older children: More honest conversations about family finances while emphasizing it’s a temporary situation
• Teenagers: May appreciate more direct discussions about economic challenges many families face

Focus on food banks as a community resource rather than a reflection of parenting ability. Explain that many families use food banks for different reasons, and they exist to help during difficult times.

Managing Feelings of Shame or Embarrassment

It’s natural to feel uncomfortable about needing food support, but remember:

• Food banks exist because our economic system has gaps, not because of personal failure
• Using a food bank shows responsible parenting – you’re ensuring your children’s needs are met
• Many food bank users go on to volunteer or donate when their situation improves
• The current cost-of-living crisis has pushed many previously financially stable families to seek help

If possible, visit the food bank without your children if you feel this would be less stressful. Alternatively, some food banks offer delivery services or collection points at schools or community centers.

Creating Positive Food Experiences Despite Challenges

Even with limited resources, you can create positive food experiences:

• Eat together: Family mealtimes provide important social connection
• Involve children in preparation: Simple tasks like mixing or setting the table
• Present food attractively: Even basic meals can be served in an appealing way
• Create food-related activities: Simple cooking projects or growing cress on a windowsill
• Celebrate small things: Make one meal a week special with a simple dessert or table decoration

These approaches help maintain a healthy relationship with food despite financial constraints and can create positive memories even during challenging times.

Long-term Solutions and Advocacy

Policy Changes and Campaigns

While food banks provide essential emergency support, addressing the root causes of holiday hunger requires systemic change. Here’s how parents can stay informed about and support broader solutions:

Current Advocacy Efforts

Several major campaigns are working to address holiday hunger at a policy level:

• Feed the Future: A coalition of organizations campaigning for the extension of free school meals to all children in households receiving Universal Credit.
• Children’s Right2Food Campaign: Led by young food ambassadors, this campaign advocates for a comprehensive Children’s Food Watchdog to monitor and improve children’s food security.
• End Child Food Poverty: Spearheaded by Marcus Rashford, this campaign successfully lobbied for the expansion of the HAF programme and continues to push for wider access to free school meals.
• Feeding Britain: Works to establish regional food networks and advocates for policy changes to address the underlying causes of food insecurity.

These campaigns have already achieved significant policy changes, including the nationwide rollout of the HAF programme and temporary extensions of free school meal support during the pandemic.

How Parents Can Get Involved

There are several ways parents can support these advocacy efforts:

• Share your experiences: Many campaigns collect testimonials from families affected by holiday hunger to strengthen their case for policy change.
• Contact your MP: Writing to your local Member of Parliament about your experiences can help raise awareness of the issue among decision-makers.
• Sign petitions: Online petitions often circulate calling for extensions to free school meals or increased holiday support.
• Support on social media: Following and sharing content from campaign organizations helps amplify their message.
• Join parent networks: Local parent groups often coordinate advocacy efforts around child food poverty issues.

Even small actions can contribute to building momentum for policy change that could eventually eliminate the need for emergency food support during school holidays.

Organizations Working for Systemic Change

These organizations are at the forefront of efforts to address holiday hunger through policy change:

• Child Poverty Action Group: Researches and campaigns on child poverty issues, including food insecurity.
• The Food Foundation: Provides evidence-based research on food insecurity and advocates for policy solutions.
• Sustain: The alliance for better food and farming campaigns for food policies that benefit people and the environment.
• School Food Matters: Works to ensure all children have access to healthy, sustainable food during term time and holidays.

Many of these organizations provide resources for parents who want to get involved in advocacy work.

Building Community Support Networks

Beyond formal support systems, community networks can provide valuable assistance during school holidays:

Connecting with Other Families

Joining forces with other families can help share the burden of holiday food costs:

• Meal sharing: Taking turns to host simple meals for multiple families can reduce overall costs.
• Bulk buying groups: Purchasing staple items in bulk and dividing them between families can save money.
• Skills exchange: Trading skills (like haircuts, minor repairs, or childcare) with other parents can free up money for food.
• Recipe swaps: Sharing budget-friendly recipes and meal ideas with other parents can help diversify meals while keeping costs down.

Schools, children’s centers, and community groups often facilitate these connections, particularly in areas with high levels of food insecurity.

Local Mutual Aid Groups

Mutual aid groups emerged strongly during the pandemic and many continue to provide support:

• Food sharing networks: Informal groups that redistribute surplus food from individuals, allotments, and businesses.
• Community fridges: Open-access refrigerators where surplus food can be shared within a community.
• Skill-sharing initiatives: Groups that teach budget cooking, food growing, or preservation techniques.
• Transport sharing: Arrangements to help families access food banks or affordable shopping options.

You can find local mutual aid groups through social media, community noticeboards, or through organizations like Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK, which maintains a directory of groups that have continued beyond the pandemic.

School-Based Parent Networks

Schools often serve as natural hubs for parent support networks:

• Parent-teacher associations: May organize holiday activities or food support initiatives.
• Breakfast club extensions: Some schools extend their breakfast club provision into holidays through parent volunteers.
• School WhatsApp groups: Informal parent communication channels often share information about local support.
• School community projects: Gardens, cooking clubs, or food pantries that continue during holidays.

Building relationships with other parents at your child’s school can create support networks that extend beyond term time and provide emotional as well as practical support during holidays.

Conclusion

School holidays should be a time of joy and relaxation for children, but for many families across the UK, they bring significant financial strain and worry about providing enough food. Food banks and holiday support programmes play a vital role in bridging this gap, ensuring children don’t go hungry when free school meals aren’t available.

As this guide has shown, there are multiple ways to access support during school holidays:

• Food banks provide emergency food parcels, often with enhanced provisions for families during holiday periods
• The Holiday Activities and Food programme offers free meals alongside enriching activities for eligible children
• Community food projects like FareShare, community fridges, and pantries provide alternative sources of affordable food
• Local authorities offer various support schemes including food vouchers and welfare assistance
• Charitable initiatives run holiday clubs and meal programmes specifically targeting holiday hunger

Planning ahead for school holidays, budgeting carefully, and knowing where to seek help before reaching crisis point can make these challenging periods more manageable. Remember that using these services is not a reflection of your parenting abilities – the current economic climate and cost-of-living crisis have pushed many families into food insecurity through no fault of their own.

While emergency food support is essential, it’s also important to recognize that long-term solutions require policy changes to address the root causes of holiday hunger. Supporting campaigns for expanded free school meal provision and improved holiday support can help create a future where no child goes hungry during school breaks.

If you’re facing holiday hunger, reach out for support early. The services described in this guide exist to help families through difficult times, and accessing them shows that you’re taking responsible steps to meet your children’s needs. You are not alone in this challenge – hundreds of thousands of UK families face similar struggles each holiday period, and a strong network of support is available to help you through.

Additional Resources

Food Bank Networks

• The Trussell Trust:  www.trusselltrust.org or call 0808 2082138
• Independent Food Aid Network:  www.foodaidnetwork.org.uk
• FareShare: Find organizations receiving FareShare food at www.fareshare.org.uk/getting-food

Holiday Support Programmes

• Holiday Activities and Food Programme: Information available through your local council website
• Feeding Britain Holiday Clubs: www.feedingbritain.org
• One Can Trust School Meal Project: www.onecantrust.org.uk

Advice and Support Services

• Citizens Advice: Free advice on benefits, debt, and accessing emergency support. Call 0800 144 8848 or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk
• Turn2us: Benefits calculator and grants search tool at www.turn2us.org.uk
• Entitled To: Benefits calculator at www.entitledto.co.uk

Local Authority Support

• Find Your Local Council: www.gov.uk/find-local-council
• Household Support Fund: Contact your local council for information
• Local Welfare Assistance: Available through your council’s website or helpline

Remember that support services may vary by location, so always check what’s available in your specific area. Your child’s school can often provide information about local holiday support initiatives and may be able to make referrals to appropriate services.