Families Skipping Meals During Summer Holidays, Sussex Charity Warns

A Sussex charity has warned that some families are skipping meals during the school holidays as they struggle to cope with the extra cost of feeding children at home.

FareShare Sussex & Surrey says many parents face increased food bills over the summer because children who normally receive free school meals during term time are no longer able to access them.

The charity's Chief Executive, Dan Slatter, says demand for support continues to grow.

He said:

"There's a mountain of need. There's a growing number of people that are facing food insecurity or even more extreme hunger."

The Government provides funding for local authorities across England to run holiday activities and food programmes during the summer break. In Surrey, these are delivered through the Club4 scheme, which is available to children who receive benefit-related free school meals.

Steve, a senior warehouse manager at FareShare Sussex & Surrey, knows first-hand how important food support can be.

He said he relied on a food bank 11 years ago when he was homeless with his daughter.

Steve is encouraging anyone in need not to be afraid to seek support.

FareShare Sussex & Surrey estimates the six-week summer holiday can add around £200 in food costs per child for families.

The charity, which redistributes surplus food to help people in need while reducing waste, is appealing for financial donations to help meet demand.