Holiday Hub
Families eating, learning and playing together
Holiday times can be challenging for families, and for those who are vulnerable or on a low income in particular. The lack of free school meals, regular social contact and play opportunities can create stress and pressure for families, often leading to financial, social and nutritional challenges.
Up to an estimated three million children risk being hungry in the school holidays. This group comprises over a million children growing up in poverty who receive free school meals during term time, as well as an estimated two million who are disqualified from free school meals because their parents work for their poverty.’
(Hungry Holidays, All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hunger, April 2017)
About Holiday Hub
Holiday Hub supports families in the school holidays by providing meals and opportunities for family bonding through eating, learning and playing together. As well as taking part in a wide range of fun activities and enjoying quality time together, families learn about nutrition and keeping fit and healthy.
Most useful is learning about all different recipes without it being so costly, and the meals are really easy to make.’
What’s on where – July to Sept 2020
Cookalong4families Holiday Hub
We kicked off the summer holidays with our Cookalong4families Holiday Hub progra
mme, thanks to funding from Danone. Families across the country have been enjoying cooking and eating a range of tasty dishes together. #Cookalong4families
Find out what’s on the menu in just one setting, by visiting our Miles Platting and Ancoats Facebook page where you can see what’s been cooking week by week! And if you feel inspired to get cooking with your family, here are a few Cookalong4families videos to give you some ideas.
Eco Explorers Holiday Hub
Miles Platting has also been busy delivering our Eco Explorers Holiday Hub programme – encouraging children and their families to get 
engaged in nature focused activities (e.g. making bug hotels, scavenger hunts). Contact the centre via their Facebook page (see above) to find out more.
For further ideas about engaging with nature view our blog.
Holiday Hub Brunch Clubs
We’ve also launched our Holiday Hub Brunch Clubs in the North West and in Southend on Sea, funded by Meals & More, where families have been trying out a variety of tasty brunches. What’s your favourite brunch?
Back to School
To help us support families preparing to go back to school, we have partnered with Bacofoil® Children and families will be supported to create high-quality low-cost packed lunches this September. See the Our Voices section of our website for more information.
Find out what else is happening within our Holiday Hub clubs by downloading our Food and wellbeing flyer
Alternatively email food@family-action.org.uk
Impact
Feedback from families highlights that Holiday Hub has helped them to:
- Make healthy and cost-effective meals
- Improve family relationships
- Socialise with other families
- Try new activities
- Get to know the local area better
- Improve their wellbeing
Find out more about the impact of Holiday Hub.
Due to struggling with anxiety, I don’t socialise at all and tend to stay in the house … I have socialised with staff and other families.’
Contact us
Louise Reilly, National Food Services Operational Manager
M: 07714 076 184
E: louise.reilly@family-action.org.uk
www.family-action.org.uk/holidayhub/
Find out about our other holiday food and activities programmes.
If you are a delivery partner, please visit our Members’ Area or contact us using the details above for the latest Holiday Hub information and resources.
