Support for parents and carers over the summer break
For some parents and carers, the six-week summer holidays can be filled with overwhelming stress and anxiety over money.
The extra cost of childcare, food bills, and playful activities can dent finances, especially for families who usually rely on free school meals. And, sadly, the statistics show more children will go hungry this summer than during term time.
Fareshare – a national network of charitable food redistributors – estimates around 3 million children in the UK will suffer from so-called “Holiday Hunger” over the next few weeks, that’s almost the population of Wales.
And with 30% of children living in poverty in Wales – 26% of those from working families – the financial stresses of summertime are becoming more widespread as the cost-of-living crisis continues to hit more homes.
Thankfully, there is a growing collective response to address the hunger gap and there is support available.
In May, four major supermarkets – Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose – joined forces to launch the Let’s Make a Meal of It campaign fighting food hunger in the UK.
Local authorities are also increasingly recognising “Holiday Hunger” by supporting publicly funded schemes to ease food poverty. Food and Fun was first piloted in Cardiff in 2015 and has since been rolled out across Wales. The programme provides free, nutritious breakfasts, lunches and fun activities for kids over the summer break.
Five primary schools and one secondary school in the Vale – all in Barry – are signed up to the scheme coordinated by the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) and part-funded by the Welsh Government.
But what if your family aren’t eligible for the scheme and still struggling?
Research shows worry over finances can have a detrimental effect on overall mental health and wellbeing.
According to the The Food Foundation, households facing food insecurity are TWICE as likely to be living with a mental health condition.
At Mind in the Vale of Glamorgan we understand financial anxiety can be overwhelming, particularly this time of year.
Being able to put food on the table, pay for childcare, and treat your children is a juggling act for most parents. And although we cannot stop the cost-of-living crisis, we can support you – helping you to feel you can cope and offering some practical solutions too. We can also signpost you to organisations who can help such as the Vale of Glamorgan which can assist with the cost of activities.
You can also:
Take advantage of free kids’ meals at supermarkets and restaurants. Children can eat free without any minimal adult spend at some places. This article gives a great summary on what’s on offer. Wales Online
Shop at a Food Pantry. Food pantries are a fantastic, eco-friendly way of eating on a budget for the fraction of the cost. Unlike a food bank you also don’t need a referral. Find a Pantry near you. Food Pantries
Access local social media groups to look for free meal deals. For example, the Visit Barry Island Facebook group recently featured a Free Kids Meal Packed Lunch for the duration of the school holidays. Run by Barry businesses, Jo & Co, Joseph Barber, and Lunch at Twelve Catering, the packed lunches can be collected from Joe & Co, Broad Street Parade Barry CF62 7AN. Visit the Visit Barry Island group for more details on how to pre-order on Messenger, including any dietary requirements.
*Please note: All information contained in this blog were correct on date of publication.
Posted on: 31st July 2025
