‘I’ve gone without so my kids can eat – it shouldn’t be this hard to survive’

ok.co.uk:

For many, the school summer holidays are a relaxing break away from homework; a chance to recharge and make precious memories.

But for some, the reality is far less rosy. With interest rates at a 15-year high and supermarket prices soaring, food charity Fareshare estimates three million children in the UK risk going hungry during the school holidays.

With parents spending on average £226.80 on their supermarket shop and £196.60 on meals out each week during the summer holidays according to Reassured, mum-of-three Hannah Harper, 32, says it’s a particularly concerning time. “When I see the six weeks on the horizon, I start panicking,” she says. “Over summer, our food bill almost doubles.

Not only do I have to buy breakfast, lunch and dinner, but snacks too. When they’re at school I don't need to worry about that.” After her husband Richard, 34, suffered a stroke earlier this year, the family’s income was severely impacted – which worsened when financial support they received for Richard's disability was reduced. “We worked out that we’d be losing around £700 a month.That was a huge blow,” she says.