Holiday hunger is also a real problem for families who normally receive free school meals.
In some communities churches are running holiday clubs providing free activities for children, as well as breakfast on arrival and a two course lunch before the children go home.
Premier’s Northern Correspondent Ian Britton has been to the former pit mining village of Rowlands Gill to see one such project.
You might also find these websites helpful if you’re thinking of running a holiday club in your own community.
Church Urban Fund Information on providing fun, friendship and food for children and families during the school holidays.
North East Child Poverty Commission Holiday hunger – What can be done?
Make Lunch MakeLunch is a network of churches working to fill the holiday hunger gap.