FareShare Sussex, Surrey Launch Summer Appeal to Combat Holiday Hunger

FareShare Sussex & Surrey has launched its Summer Appeal 2025 to address the rising holiday hunger affecting children and families during the school summer break when free school meals are unavailable. The charity supports over 28,500 people weekly through 248 local organizations and anticipates a spike in demand this summer, with reports indicating one in five children could miss meals during the holidays. Chief Executive Dan Slatter highlighted that food insecurity is worsening across Sussex and Surrey, and donations to the appeal help maintain warehouse operations, delivery vans, and nutritious food distribution to school holiday clubs, community fridges, shelters, and support centers. Last year, FareShare provided 6.26 million meals, saving local organizations £16.5 million in food costs, and beneficiaries include individuals like a teacher and domestic abuse survivor who credits a Community Fridge in Surrey with helping him survive difficult times. The charity’s work is vital in alleviating food poverty during summer months, offering a non-judgmental and well-stocked resource for vulnerable families. This appeal underscores the urgent need for community support to sustain food redistribution efforts through the summer holiday period.