Help With Feeding Kids During The Summer Holidays

The summer holidays can be a time of stress for families who are struggling to make ends meet.  For families whose children receive school meals during term time, the holidays can be a time of strain where already tight budgets get stretched even more.  However, there are schemes which can help with feeding kids during the summer holidays.

Government and Local Council Schemes

The UK government has set up the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. Launched in 2018, HAF aims to provide not only free meals but also fun activities for children during the school holidays. The programme is run in conjunction with local authorities, community groups, and schools.

The programme focuses on children who receive free school meals, but it also available to other people.  To find out more about the HAF scheme in your area, contact your local council.

Community and Charity Initiatives

The food redistribution charity, Fareshare and The Trussel Trust network of food banks both help to support numerous families during the summer holidays.  Fareshare distributes food through a network of local groups, whereas the Trussell Trust operate a network of  over 1300 foodbanks throughout the UK.

In order to receive help from a food bank you might need to get a food voucher.  Many food banks operate a voucher scheme to ensure food goes only to people who really need it.  But other local food banks may accept self referrals.

You can get a food voucher from your GP, health visitor, housing association, social worker or from your local council.

Local community groups and churches also offer help during the holidays. Many run holiday clubs that also offer free meals alongside activities.  Demand for these is often very high and they get booked up fast.  Your local council or local Facebook groups should have details of those operating in your area.

Local Restaurants and Cafes

Some local businesses and cafes will provide free children’s meals even without an adult eating at the same time.  These are usually small independent community minded businesses.  They offer a discreet service which is often advertised locally through community groups or social media pages.

National Restaurants and Cafes

Asda Cafe allow children to eat for just £1 all year round.  All hot kids meals also come with a free piece of fruit

Free Food Apps

Olio is an app set up to redistribute surplus food.  It operates via a network of community heroes who collect surplus food and then put it on the app to be given away for free.  You can search items which are available in your local area, mine often has plenty of fresh vegetables and bread which are donated from local supermarkets.  You can reserve the items you want and then go to pick them up.

Feeding kids during the summer holidays can be challenging but there is help available.   There is no shame in reaching out for help, many people are struggling during these trying times.  An estimated 4 million children are currently living below the poverty line, which means there is still a lot of help needed in this area.