UK families skip meals during holidays as charity FareShare Sussex & Surrey warns of a 'mountain' of need
Executive summary: FareShare Sussex & Surrey reported a significant increase in families skipping meals during the 2026 school holidays, describing the demand as a 'mountain' of need. The spike highlights acute food insecurity among low‑income households, strains charitable resources, and may foreshadow reduced consumer spending in the retail sector.
Who is involved: FareShare Sussex & Surrey, families with school‑age children, local food banks and community larders operating in Sussex and Surrey.
Likely next: Demand for food assistance is expected to remain elevated through the remainder of the summer holiday period, prompting potential increases in donation drives or calls for expanded government meal programmes.
FareShare Sussex & Surrey reports a surge in demand for food aid over the school holiday period, indicating that many households are unable to afford regular meals. The charity describes the situation as a growing 'mountain' of need, reflecting heightened pressure on food banks and community larders. This development underscores seasonal vulnerabilities in household food security and may signal broader economic strain on low‑income populations.
Timeline
- — Dad facing difficult summer as food donations plunge (BBC Business)
- — Families skipping meals during holidays - charity (BBC Business)
Analysis — what this means
Sectors affected
- Food retail
- Charitable food assistance
- Low‑income household goods
Sources
- Families skipping meals during holidays - charity — BBC Business
- Dad facing difficult summer as food donations plunge — BBC Business