Holiday hunger raised in Children's Future Food Inquiry final report

The final Children’s Future Food Inquiry report has been launched which examines children's food insecurity in the UK.

The report includes the Children’s #Right2Food Charter, which calls for a new, independent Children’s Food Watchdog to lead the charge on tackling the issue.

The report says that one in three (4.1 million) children live in poverty in the UK, with an estimated 2.5 million living in food insecure households.

The Children’s Future Food Inquiry sought the views of children and young people living in poverty across the UK over 12 months.

The report highlights how school holiday hunger can heighten the issue. It says: "A number of experts contributing to the Inquiry highlighted the seasonal nature of food insecurity driven by school holiday periods when childcare and food costs increase. The long summer break is an exciting opportunity for some children, but for others it is a time they dread. They may face long periods of social isolation with nothing to do, uncertainty as to where their next meal will come from."

Nadhim Zahawi, Children and Families Minister, said: "The government is keen to support children during the school holidays, and this report highlights the issues that may arise during these breaks.

"For most children, holidays should mean fun experiences and a chance to make lasting memories. We want to make these opportunities available to all children, regardless of their background, and we also want to make sure that children are eating healthily during the holidays.

"In summer 2018, our new holiday activities and food programme supported more than 18,000 disadvantaged children – giving them access to nutritious meals and fun activities.

"Following this successful programme we have now increased funding to £9 million for this summer and aim to improve further on the success of the 2018 programme."