Charity to tackle threat of school holiday hunger

» WITH the safety net of free school meals removed over the summer holidays, a charity in the region has launched a campaign to tackle hunger.

Many families face increased financial pressures during the holiday period, Fareshare South West says, which in turn drives them further into food insecurity.

It says that without money for activities, children can also become socially isolated and many of them will return to school in September malnourished, tired and unable to learn.

Around 20 per cent of children across the county are living in poverty, with the number rising to 30 per cent in Gloucester, according to figures from End Child Poverty.

As a result, Fareshare South West will redistribute healthy meals and snacks to schemes across Gloucestershire. It is also urging projects working with children and families over the summer holiday to get in touch with it to find out how regular deliveries of surplus food, such as fruit, yoghurt and wraps, could be used to combat hunger and help feed the people it supports.

By providing healthy, nutritious snacks and meals, the charity will help to ensure that every child has access to a healthy, varied diet, while enjoying plenty of fun activities like sport and drama.

Chief executive at Fareshare South West, Julian Mines, said: “School holidays should be fun and full of new experiences, but the reality is it can be a really tough time for low income and vulnerable families, many of which rely on free school meals during term time.

“With this safety net removed for six weeks, families face a period of increased struggle with children at risk of hunger, isolation and inactivity.

“Our Activeate summer campaign will support the work of front-line holiday schemes across Gloucestershire.”