Summer Support as School Holidays Start

PARENTS have skipped meals, used savings, borrowed money and/or accessed food banks due to the financial strain of school holidays, according to a survey from The Children’s Society.

The report finds that rising costs and insufficient provision of suitable activities exacerbate parents’ ability to afford food during school breaks. Two thirds (65%) of those participating stated they worry about food costs for their child during school holidays, rising to 77% for those on income-related benefits.

According to Cornwall Council’s The Cornwall We Know Insight Dashboard for June 2026, food insecurity remains above pre-pandemic levels, which is increasing the demand for food bank and crisis support.

Here at Newquay Foodbank, we see beyond the Cornwall holiday idyll to the families having to ask for help at these times. We work directly with local schools to support them with vouchers for our food banks.

Our volunteer-led spaces are welcoming, with a cuppa and a chat always on hand if wanted. If any family is struggling and has not received vouchers via their school, please visit our website to find out how you can access help.

In addition to food costs concerns, a third of the survey respondents said free activities for youngsters would make a big difference to how they can manage their budget during the holidays.

In Cornwall, families can access the Time2Move Holiday Programme, which returns this summer. Funded through the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF), Time2Move provides a range of opportunities during the school holidays for children and young people aged 5-16 across Cornwall, helping them stay active, build friendships, and support their wellbeing. The programme is primarily available to children eligible for benefits-related free school meals, with some providers also offering additional paid places.

Cornwall Council is also introducing a new process to help more eligible children receive free school meals from September without families needing to apply.

The Free School Meals (FSM) Auto Award will begin roll out in July 2026. Visit More children to get free schools meals with new automatic check – Cornwall Council to find out more and how to opt out if desired.

However, the Children’s Society report notes that government provision creates a two-tier system where children in households receiving Universal Credit (UC) with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less will be HAF eligible but those receiving UC with earnings higher than £7,400 a year, i.e. those eligible for the expanded free school meals from September 2026, will not.

Regardless of circumstances, where there is a need for food and essential items from families with limited money, our charity will strive to support or provide advice.

If you can support our work with a donation, please visit Donate money | Newquay Foodbank – thank you.

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