As schools across London break up for the summer, Food Bank Aid is warning that thousands of children face six weeks without the meals they rely on at school, while one in two of the charity’s partner food banks say they would struggle to remain open without its support.
To help families through one of the toughest times of the year, Food Bank Aid has launched its annual School’s Out, Food’s Out campaign, raising funds to keep food banks stocked with essential food and household items throughout the summer.
Food Bank Aid supplies more than 30 food banks across London, helping provide emergency food and essentials to more than 20,000 people every month, including almost 5,000 children. During the school holidays, demand rises as families lose access to free school meals while facing higher food and childcare costs.
The consequences extend beyond six weeks of hunger. Research from The Food Foundation’s Broken Plate 2026 report shows that children in the most deprived communities are 62% more likely to be of short stature by age five than those in the least deprived areas, and are less likely to catch up in height by age 10. A lack of nutritious food also affects children’s health, energy and wellbeing, making it even harder for them to return to school ready to learn.
A recent survey of Food Bank Aid’s partner organisations found that 86% had seen demand increase over the past year, while 90% expect demand to grow further in 2026. One in two said they would struggle to stay open without Food Bank Aid’s support. By providing more than 100 essential food and household items, the charity helps food banks stay stocked and continue supporting families when demand is at its highest.
One in three children in London lives in poverty, rising to almost one in two in some of the boroughs supported by Food Bank Aid.
Alyson, CEO of Food Bank Aid, said:
“For many children, school provides more than an education. Breakfast clubs, lunches and after-school activities offer reliable access to nutritious food. When the summer holidays begin, that support disappears overnight, but the need doesn’t. Through School’s Out, Food’s Out we’re asking our local community to help ensure families have access to the food and essentials they need throughout the long summer break.”
Every donation helps keep over 30 food banks stocked with essential food, nappies and household items throughout the summer.
To support the campaign or donate, visit foodbankaid.org.uk/schools-out
