Combatting Holiday Hunger in 2026
Ensuring Children Are Fed When School Kitchens Close
Throughout the school year, we continue our mission to tackle Holiday Hunger in Jersey, helping ensure no child goes hungry when schools close for the holidays.
With 1 in 4 children living in relative poverty, school holidays can be an incredibly challenging time for many families. School meals pause, but the need for nutritious food does not.
That’s where we step in.
Our Spud Truck delivers hot, healthy meals to children and families during school holidays, including half terms, Easter, summer and Christmas breaks. Operating from trusted community locations across the island, families can drop in to enjoy a freshly prepared meal in a warm and welcoming environment.
From jacket potatoes to pasta dishes and comforting curries, meals are freshly prepared using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible, supporting our local economy while nourishing our community.
But the Programme is about more than food. It provides a safe, friendly space where families can connect, children feel welcomed, and parents feel supported during periods that can otherwise feel isolating or financially pressured.
Each holiday period, hundreds of meals are served to families who need them most, helping bridge the gap when school kitchens are closed.
No child should go hungry. With your support, we can continue to be there for families throughout the year.
If your business or organisation would like to support the Holiday Hunger Programme, sponsor a holiday delivery, or volunteer with us, we would love to hear from you.
Together, we can feed children, support families and strengthen our island community.
Did you know…
According to a 2020 report by the Food Foundation, around 1.4 million children in the UK are estimated to experience food insecurity during the summer holidays. The report also found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, this number had risen, with an estimated 2.3 million children in the UK living in households that experienced food insecurity in 2020. Additionally, research by the Trussell Trust, a UK-based charity that operates a network of food banks, found that during the summer of 2021, demand for emergency food parcels increased by 47% compared to the same period in 2019. These statistics highlight the ongoing issue of holiday hunger in the UK and the urgent need for initiatives to support children during the summer months.
Jersey is no exception and like other areas of the UK, experiences holiday hunger during school holidays. The Island is not immune to poverty, and some families struggle to make ends meet, particularly during the summer months when children are not receiving free school meals. The COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated the issue, with increased financial strain on families and disruptions to supply chains, leading to a greater need for support during the summer holidays.
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Who is eligible?
Families who are eligible for the food box program may be referred by a variety of agencies, including social workers, other charities, schools, and Family Nursing. These agencies will identify families who may need support during the summer holidays when schools are closed and refer them to the program. We work closely with these agencies to ensure that families are receiving the support they need and that the referral process is seamless and efficient.
Our goal is to make sure that families in need have access to the program and the nutritious food their children need to thrive during the summer holidays.