Affordable Lunches During School Summer Holidays

Affordable Lunches During School Summer Holidays

As the cost of living continues to rise, families across Newport and Wales are facing financial challenges unlike ever before. It is incredibly important that our friends and family know how and where to access reasonably priced food for children during the summer holidays this year.

Our local communities continue to volunteer and donate to ensure access to reasonably priced food for children. Community-based initiatives, such as food banks can provide affordable and free food to families in need.

During First Ministers Questions Mark Drakeford confirmed “The Food and Fun programme will be the largest programme we have ever seen this summer. It will be happening in every part of Wales, and thousands more children will benefit from it this summer” https://www.newport.gov.uk/en/Care-Support/Children-and-families/Family-Information-Service/Childcare/Playschemes-and-clubs.aspx#:~:text=Food%20and%20Fun%20%2D%20Summer%202023,packed%20programme%20of%20fun%20activities.

Food and Fun is a new FREE holiday club running from Monday 31st July – Tuesday 15th August mornings in The John Frost School, Alway School, Maindee Primary School, Ysgol Gymraeg Casnewydd and Monnow Primary School. It will provide children with breakfast and a hot lunch together with a packed programme of fun activities.

Register here: https://foodandfun.newport.gov.uk/

“[I] commend, as well, those many third sector and faith groups in every part of Wales who play their part in helping young people during that summer holiday period.” http://www.senedd.tv/en/13406?startPos=3435&l=en

Having support from large supermarkets and establishments could also be a huge help to some of us. Know where to get the best deals for children this summer:

• Asda Café are offering children to eat for £1 with no minimum adult spend required.

• From 11:30am everyday Sainsbury’s Café will allow children to eat for £1 with the purchase of an adult hot main.

• Everyday Beefeater and Brewers Fayre are offering two free children’s breakfast with one paying adult.

• Tesco will be letting kids eat for free with a purchase of 60p between July 24^th and September 1^st.

• Children can eat for £1 on Mondays at Hungry Horse.

• If you spend £4.49 and you can get one free kids meal every day at

• Spend over £4 in Pausa Coffee in Dunelm and kids can eat free.

• Download the Too Good To Go app to access food in your area that is waiting to be saved.

The cost of living crisis affects families in various ways, with one of the most significant impacts being the ability to afford nutritious food for their children. Rising prices of essential items, including groceries, can lead to compromised diets, inadequate nutrition, and potential long-term health consequences.

Over the last few decades Ultra Processed Foods have infiltrated our diets at an alarming pace. While not just restricted to meal deals, Ultra Processed Foods are the basis of the vast majority of meal deals, with research showing they do not save money – they just encourage people to spend more.

During the cost of living crisis, it is crucial to make sure children have access to regular meals and the nutritious food they need to thrive, regardless of the financial challenges their families may face. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoFSgWJB1bU&t=171s