Over 600,000 UK children could go hungry this summer

Carnegie UK says policymakers should look at systems to make the summer holidays less taxing for working families and aim for “a decent standard of living” for everyone

Food rescue charity the Felix Project predicts that up to 645,000 children in the UK could experience ‘holiday hunger’ this summer, with 68% of teachers worrying that at least one of their class will go hungry because parents cannot afford food.

Half of teachers fear between one and three children will go hungry; 13% worry it will be one in six; 3% believe it could be 10 children, and 2% worry it could be 11 or more. In the poorest areas, 38% of teachers believe four or more of their class will go hungry compared to 4% in the most affluent areas.

Charlotte Hill, Chief Executive of the Felix Project said, “There are many teachers worried up to six children per class may [go hungry] – that’s beyond heartbreaking, that’s shameful for our society. We know the holidays are tough for parents and carers, when schools are closed and free school meals are unavailable, many struggle to cover the extra costs of feeding their children at home.”

Free school meals are no longer offered nationwide during school holidays, although some local authorities are offering support and food vouchers. In London, where 104,000 children may be at risk of holiday hunger, Mayor Sadiq Khan continues to support children eligible for free school meals throughout school holidays.

“It is deeply concerning that so many children are facing hunger during the school holidays due to the cost of living crisis,” said Khan. “That's why I’ve stepped forward to provide funding to help partners deliver healthy, nutritious meals during all school holidays, in addition to providing free school meals to all state primary schools in London during term time. I am determined to ensure that no parent or child in the capital goes hungry.”

“Every year, Salvation Army officers see the strain that the summer holiday has on families as essential support like school dinners are suspended.”

Research from the Salvation Army found 29% of parents relying on free school meals are worried about affording food in the summer holidays. Lieutenant Colonel Nick Coke said: “Every year, Salvation Army officers see the strain that the summer holiday has on families as essential support like school dinners are suspended.” Coke urges the new government to “invest in the services that will give families and children a chance to live life to the full” and “use the first budget to put families first.”

Stuart Mackinnon, Carnegie UK spokesperson said: “Our research shows that rising costs have forced many people across the UK to make some extremely tough choices. And we know that the summer holidays can be hugely difficult to navigate for many families, especially those on low incomes.

“We should aim for a society where everyone has a decent standard of living, including children and young people. A priority for policymakers should be looking at systems to make the summer holidays less taxing for working families.”

Campaigners and MPs say that scrapping the two-child benefit limit — which government statistics show affects 1.6 million children — could ease child poverty.