Food charity warns of rising need during school holidays
Luton Foodbank has told InfoRadar it expects this summer to be its busiest yet, with demand for emergency food parcels anticipated to surpass last year’s record. The charity says families — including those in employment — are under mounting pressure during the school holiday period when free school meals are unavailable.
Last year the foodbank distributed almost 15,000 emergency food supplies to people in financial difficulty. With schools now closed for the six-week break, the charity is increasing stock, accelerating parcel assembly and calling for those who need help to come forward.
How the foodbank is responding
- Boosting warehouse stock and volunteer activity to increase parcel throughput.
- Encouraging residents who are struggling — including working families — to access support.
- Providing short-term assistance to tide households over during crises.
Salma Khan, chief executive of Luton Foodbank, described the operational strain inside the organisation’s warehouse as volunteers prepare larger numbers of parcels. She urged people not to assume the service is only for the unemployed.
“People that are working seem to have this perception that the food bank is not for them, but we are here to support you,”
Ms Khan noted that some families are juggling multiple jobs yet still cannot cover basic food costs, a problem that intensifies when children are at home and miss out on the meal provision schools provide during term time.
What this means for Luton residents
The projected rise in demand has several local implications. Frontline volunteers and warehouse staff will face increased workloads; partner agencies and schools may see higher referral numbers; and local fundraisers and donors will be vital to maintaining supplies through the summer months.
| Measure | Last year | This summer |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency food supplies distributed | Almost 15,000 | Expected to exceed last year’s total |
For residents who find themselves struggling, the foodbank is clear: support is available and you should seek it. The charity’s message is also a wider reminder to local agencies and businesses that support for families over the school holidays remains a pressing local need.
InfoRadar will continue to follow how Luton Foodbank and its partners manage the increased summer demand and report on how local residents can both access and support the service.
