Thanks to support from City Hall, more than three million free meals have already been given to children and their families since April, and hundreds of thousands more Londoners will benefit over the summer holidays because of the free holiday meals funding.
According to the latest poll from YouGov almost half (49%) of parents and carers with children under the age of 18 said they will struggle to pay for their regular household shop for food. One in three (34%) say they are having to go without their basic needs.
The Mayor has repeatedly called on the Government to do more to tackle the spiralling cost of living and the corresponding challenge of children going hungry.
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, said: “It is simply appalling that so many families are struggling to put food on the table due to the spiralling cost of living. That is why I’ve once again stepped in with emergency funding to help those most in need during the school holidays. I’m proud that we’ve provided more than three million meals so far and will be providing millions more to help hundreds of thousands of Londoners throughout the summer break.
“It cannot be right that in a city as prosperous as ours so many people are faced with impossible choices to try to feed their families. As Mayor, I will continue to do all I can to support Londoners and urge the Government to make full use of its powers to stop children going hungry, as we build a fairer city for all.”
Last week he visited families in Southwark and Lamberth to meet some of those benefitting from the free holiday meals funding.
Rachel Ledwith, head of community at The Felix Project, added: “Around half the foodbanks we support say these six weeks will be their busiest period. Around one in three expect to see a 25% increase in the numbers of families coming through their doors.
“That is why we are thrilled to be continuing our work with the Mayor of London and The Mayor’s Fund for London to help those struggling during these difficult times. We hope the meals and food will alleviate some of the stress so many families are feeling.”