Ways to feed your family for less during summer the holidays | Tenant news

The summer holidays can be an expensive time for families, especially when children are at home more – food, and other bills, rise.

The good news is there are ways to make your budget go further, and support is available if you’re finding it difficult to cover the cost of food during the holidays.

Deals and offers

As food prices vary between shops, it can help to compare prices and look out for good value options.

Supermarket own-brand products are often cheaper than branded versions. Meanwhile, frozen fruit and vegetables can also be a useful option, as they last longer they are just as healthy as fresh options and can help reduce waste.

Checking supermarket apps, loyalty schemes and local offers may also help you save money. Planning meals before you shop can help you avoid buying things you don’t need and reduce food waste.

Too Good To Go is another great option. It’s a food waste-reducing app where you can buy fresh food that would have otherwise been thrown away because it hasn’t sold in time, for at least half the price.

Use the free app to find local restaurants, grocery stores, cafes and shops, offering ‘Surprise Bags’ of food, such as unsold snacks, takeaway meals and ingredients, at a big discount.

Find extra support

Making the most of offers can help your budget go further, but extra support is available if you need it.

If you need help finding support in your area, your local council is a good place to start.

Some councils offer help through schemes such as the Holiday Activities and Food programme which provides free activities and meals for eligible children during the school holidays.

There is also the Crisis and Resilience Fund which helps people facing financial hardship with essential costs like food, energy bills and other urgent needs. You can check eligibility and apply on your local council website.

Food banks, community kitchens and local charities may also be able to help. Some community groups offer free or low-cost meals, while others can provide food parcels or advice on getting further support.

Useful resources

• Trussell – A food bank finder that can help you find local food banks in your area: www.trussell.org.uk/get-help/find-a-foodbank
• Hubbub’s Community Fridge Network – find community fridges and food projects across the UK: www.hubbub.org.uk/the-community-fridge-network
• Your Local Pantry – offers access to affordable food shops run by local communities: www.yourlocalpantry.co.uk
• MoneyHelper – offers free advice on managing money and household costs:
  www.moneyhelper.org.uk

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