In our community, many families rely on free school vouchers to ensure their children are fed during school holidays. When these vouchers stopped, it left families scrambling to make ends meet, some even going without, leading to children heading to bed hungry. For countless families, these vouchers were not merely a supplement—they were a lifeline.

Families like mine have been hit hard by this change. Each school holiday, I find myself in the difficult position of choosing between paying bills and putting food on the table. It is a choice no parent should have to make. For many, these vouchers mean the difference between a nourished child and one experiencing hunger.

In the UK, where food insecurity affects one in five households with children, initiatives like free school vouchers during holidays are crucial. According to the Trussell Trust, food bank usage spikes sharply during school holidays because parents must replace the free school meals their children miss. Without reinstating these vouchers, we're likely to see more families reaching crisis point.

The effects of hunger in children are well-documented. Lack of adequate nutrition can lead to difficulties in concentration, increased illness, and ultimately, poorer academic and social outcomes. We cannot afford to let our children fall behind due to circumstances beyond their control.

We urge the government to reconsider the decision to stop these vouchers and to recognize their importance in safeguarding our children's health and future. By bringing back the school holiday vouchers, we can ensure our kids are not left fighting hunger, allowing them to focus on what truly matters—their education.

Let's stand together and call for immediate action to reinstate free school holiday vouchers. Please sign this petition to support families in our community and beyond. Our children deserve better.