Childhood Matters: Ending Holiday Hunger
Every summer, thousands of children across the North East go into school holidays. And while many look forward to having a break from school many families are left overwhelmed. When the school gates close, the routine stops and so does access to at least one reliable meal a day.
Free school meals are a lifeline for children during term time. But when the holidays arrive, that safety net disappears. For families already making impossible choices between heating, transport and food, the six week summer break is one of the hardest times of the year.
That is why we launched our Childhood Matters: End Holiday Hunger appeal. And this year, we are back.
What We Did Last Summer
Last summer, Feeding Families ran its first Holiday Hunger pilot in Gateshead, working directly with local schools to provide Holiday Hunger Packs to families who needed them most. The packs were filled with essential food and fun activity items, designed to support children and families through the holidays in a way that felt dignified and practical.
At the heart of the pilot was a simple principle. Every child in participating schools received a pack. No application process. No referral required. No stigma.
Children from Caedmon Community Primary School in Bensham helped co-create the packs, choosing the contents, designing the bags and helping prepare them at our Blaydon Packing Centre. The winning bag design came from Matthew, a Year 6 pupil, whose artwork featured on every pack distributed.
The schools we worked with saw the difference it made.
"We're delighted to be part of this pilot with Feeding Families. It's a great opportunity to support all families in our community - alleviating pressures like food, childcare, and activity costs over the summer. Every child will go home with food, activities, play equipment, and vouchers. We hope this will grow to include other schools and holidays in future - it's vitally needed in Gateshead and beyond." - Caedmon Community Primary School
The Need Hasn't Gone Away
In the North East, over 1 in 3 children live in poverty. That figure hasn't changed. If anything, the pressure on families has grown.
Last August, a mother of four contacted us in a crisis. The cupboards were completely bare. She had no money until the following week and had already been turned away by a food bank because she didn't have a referral. Another charity told her they couldn't help until the next day. She had no money for transport to try anywhere else.
We recognised that her situation could not wait. Within hours, a boot-load of essential food was assembled and delivered directly to her door. Her children had a full meal that evening.
"Thank you, I really wasn't expecting so much, I'm very grateful." - Claire, mother of four
Stories like Claire's are not rare. Referrals come in daily.
This Summer, Every Donation Will Be Matched
From 5th June until 31st July, every single donation to the Childhood Matters: End Holiday Hunger appeal will be matched. Pound for pound. That means just £15 becomes £30. With that we can provide two Holiday Hunger Packs for children across the North East this summer.
This year we are aiming to raise £20,000 to fund Holiday Hunger Packs and year round provision in schools. With match funding in place, every pound you give goes twice as far.
At Feeding Families, it is about more than food. It is about dignity, relief and making sure families do not fall through the gaps when they need help most.
"Feeding Families have been a huge support to our community. Having food boxes readily available means families are supported with dignity - no forms, no delay - just help when it's needed." - Swalwell Primary School
How You Can Help
If you are able to, please donate today. Every contribution directly funds Holiday Hunger Packs, emergency food support and dignity-first assistance for families across the North East this summer.
Donate here and double your impact
You can also help by sharing this appeal with your friends, family and colleagues. The more people who know, the more families we can reach.
Thank you for standing with us.