Kids on the breadline: solutions to holiday hunger

School holidays put severe pressure on low income families.

Losing free school meals and the high costs of food, childcare and holiday treats mean many families struggle to make ends meet.  For some, this means skipping meals or living off breakfast cereal and sandwiches.

It doesn’t have to be like this.

Our report outlines how the Welsh Government, local authorities, social landlords and others can provide immediate help to low-income families as well as pointing to longer-term solutions that would put more cash in families’ pockets.  We call for:

• a significant increase in Welsh Government spending on food and fun schemes, to £4.75 m a year enabling approximately 16,000 children to benefit
• high standards of provision for all types of food and fun scheme, to protect our children and ensure all are included
• legislation to require local authorities to co-ordinate and plan provision
• better emergency help for families
• flexible payment options for essentials to help families budget over the summer
• holiday benefit supplements to ease the pressure on the least well off.

Report format: PDF
Language: English
Page:  19
Cost:  Free

We are grateful to the many individuals and organisations who contributed to the cost of this project, including the people who gave to our Christmas appeal, Merthyr Valleys Homes, South Wales Food Alliance and all those who gave their time.

Find out how YOU and your organisation can join with us to solve holiday hunger

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