A recent report by a cross-party group of MPs states that the school holidays
leave 3 million children at risk of hunger. The report gave evidence of
children in poorer families surviving on a holiday diet of crisps, or alternatively
existing on stodgy, unhealthy diets of cheap food bought in bulk to fill them
up.
Furthermore, studies have shown that children experiencing extreme hunger
are vulnerable to malnutrition which will undermines their ability to receive
an education and ultimately lead a healthy, positive life.
Moreover, the report confirmed there was a significant negative impact
on children who had gone hungry over the holidays. They frequently return to
class malnourished, sluggish and dreary and completely unprepared to learn.
This means that these children start the new term significantly behind their more
fortunate peers who have enjoyed a holiday of activity and a more wholesome
diet.
The children at risk include over 1 million receiving free school meals
during term time and a further 2 million with parent who work but are still
experiencing poverty.
There are some local churches, charities and voluntary organisations
aimed at feeding hungry children when the school canteens are shut, who do provide
free meal and fun projects during the holidays. The positive impact on poorer
children who attended these sessions is huge, involving better behaviour and
a return to school in a much improved condition. Unfortunately, the provision
is sporadic and piecemeal and cannot be viewed as a sufficient response to a
problem of this scale.
Complete Kidz provides cost-effective Holiday Camps during the school
holidays. Prices are very competitive and lunch can be provided, free of
charge, if required. Children have the opportunity to participate in art,
cooker, dance, music and lots of healthy sport. For more details, visit our
Kidz Zone page.
#holidaycamps
#breakfastclubs #afterschoolclubs #childcare #schoolholidays #news #schools
#schoolmeals
