Families are reportedly skipping meals during school holidays as they struggle to cope with increased costs, a charity has reported. FareShare Sussex & Surrey stated that some parents face additional expenses because children are unable to access free school meals during the break.
Dan Slatter, chief executive of the charity, described the situation as a "mountain of need," noting a rise in individuals experiencing food insecurity or more severe hunger. The UK government provides funding for local authorities across England to operate holiday activities and food programs, known as Club4 in Surrey. However, these programs are restricted to children who qualify for benefit-related free school meals, according to Surrey County Council's website.
Steve, a senior warehouse manager at FareShare Sussex & Surrey, shared his personal experience of relying on a food bank 11 years prior when he was homeless with his daughter. He explained that his benefits were primarily used for transportation to get his daughter to and from school daily. "We were struggling," he told the BBC. "I didn't want to ask for help, but it got to the point where we weren't eating."