Meals & More has announced its largest ever funding round, committing £540,000 to support children and families during the school holidays — a lifeline at a time when more households are struggling to cope with rising costs.

Founded in 2015 by the nation’s leading foodservice wholesaler, Brakes, with support from a growing network of corporate partners including Kellogg’s, PepsiCo, Unilever and the Quilter Foundation, the charity has expanded its investment to meet a surge in demand from communities where more families are seeking help than ever before.

This year’s funding will support more than 60 delivery partners and more than 400 holiday clubs, enabling provision of 350,000 meals, alongside enriching programmes that support children’s wellbeing.

The charity will also continue its much‑loved Big Day Out, a special initiative where grants are provided to holiday clubs, allowing them to take children on unforgettable outings. For many of these children, it’s a rare opportunity to experience something extraordinary, creating memories that could be the highlight of their entire year.

Sam Payne, Managing Director of Meals & More, said: “We are seeing need on a scale we could never have imagined when Brakes founded Meals & More. Families who have never asked for help before are now turning to our partners because they simply cannot stretch their budgets any further. This funding is our strongest commitment yet because every child deserves good food, safe spaces & the chance to grow.

“Our partners are doing extraordinary work in the toughest circumstances, and this funding is a recognition of their dedication. It’s also a call to action because no child’s wellbeing should depend on the luck of where they live.”

Laura English at delivery partner EMPOWER Youth Zones in Manchester: “For families who don’t quite meet the criteria for funded support but are still really struggling during the school holidays, this provision makes a huge difference. We’ve seen children grow in confidence, build friendships and really look forward to coming back each holiday.”

As demand for holiday provision continues to rise, Meals & More is calling on businesses, funders and supporters to help community organisations continue providing safe spaces, healthy meals and enriching experiences for children during the school holidays.