As we continue to navigate our way through the worsening cost of living crisis, schools, local authorities, and frontline organisations are facing an increasing demand for families struggling to meet basic needs.  The school holidays and the start of the next school year can place additional pressure on households, whether it’s the cost of branded uniforms or the loss of free school meals when term time ends.  The challenge presents itself in multiple ways: how can this growing demand be met quickly, and how can people be supported in a way that preserves dignity and offers choice.  

School holidays are causing hunger 

Access to food is a critical issue, especially outside of term time, as many families rely on free school meals.  

• 1 in 3 families reported being unable to afford balanced meals in the summer holidays. 
• 1 in 4 children under the age of 5 are at risk of needing to use a food bank. 
• 1 in 12 families have said their children have to skip meals during the school holidays because they are reliant on free school meals.  

Back to school costs add significant pressure 

Many families are already balancing the pressure of rising bills and food costs, struggling to afford price increases.  

On top of this, there is the added financial burden of sending children to start a new year at school, causing increasing stress on families who are struggling to make ends meet. 

• With 4.5million children currently living in poverty, the start of term creates significant financial strain.  
• The average family spends £343 (primary) and £442 (secondary) per child on uniform requirements alone. 
• Many schools still request families to purchase 10+ branded items they deem to be essential which puts pressure on families to shop at higher cost shops. 

Getting fast support to families 

When families are under stress, it is important to act with speed and simplicity. Clothing and supermarket vouchers can be one of the quickest and most flexible forms of support. It offers parents immediate relief whilst preserving their dignity.  

Vouchers can be used to cover the cost of expensive school uniforms or to replace free school meals during the holidays. They can be tailored to meet the needs of the individual.  

Using voucher provision allows organisations to:  

• Distribute school uniforms that families can redeem through selected shops 

• Offer food vouchers to help bridge the gap when school meals are unavailable 

• Deliver fast support directly to individuals (often the same day) 

• Using trusted services can help avoid lengthy application processes 

Utilising trusted service providers 

Local authorities, housing associations, and other organisations wanting to support their customers in need can deliver support by working with an experienced and trusted service provider, such as Auriga Services.  

Whether you’re planning how to use Household Support Fund allocations or looking for scalable alternatives to free school meals during holidays, voucher schemes for clothing and food are a proven way to reach families where the need is greatest, without adding to your team’s workload. 

Our support services are delivered reliably, securely and can be scaled to the volumes you need, all whilst reducing the administrative burden for your inhouse team.  With growing pressure on families and services, delivering support that’s fast, flexible and dignified has never been more important.