Food Support Expands During School Holidays: Deliveries Surge in the UK, Local "Community Larders" Become Lifelines

In the UK, with the start of the summer holidays, the cessation of school meals leads to a sudden increase in household food expenses, exacerbating the issue of "holiday hunger." The food charity SOFEA, based in Didcot, Oxfordshire, reported that the number of meals delivered in July 2025 increased by about 15,000 compared to the same month the previous year. FareShare, a national network supplying food to SOFEA, has provided 2,500 tons (equivalent to about 6 million meals) to families and local organizations since the start of the summer holidays. The situation highlights the inability to meet demand, with 51% of network member organizations anticipating an increase in need. This is against the backdrop of rising living costs and increased childcare and after-school care expenses. Meanwhile, the continuation of the government's **HAF (Holiday Activities and Food)** program and the use of surplus food from companies and supermarkets are functioning as safety nets. From local examples, we consider how to protect children's nutrition and family security during long holidays.