New research from Iceland Foods has highlighted the mounting pressure on UK households this school holiday season.

According to new data 85% of parents say their food bills have risen over the six‑week break, with the need for extra meals and snacks driving a combined £553 million in additional weekly spending.

Nearly three‑quarters of families report buying more staples to feed their children at home, while 68% are stocking up on treats and drinks.

Meanwhile, as costs bite, more than a quarter of parents (26%) have turned to Buy Now, Pay Later schemes, and one in ten have resorted to loans or selling personal items to cover their grocery bills.

To provide a safer alternative to high‑interest credit, Iceland has relaunched its Food Club in partnership with not‑for‑profit lender Fair for You.

The frozen food specialist says eligible shoppers can borrow up to £75 interest‑free, loaded onto a prepaid card for use in Iceland or The Food Warehouse.

Repayments are capped at £10 per week, and returning customers can increase their loan to £100 during holiday top‑ups once their previous balance is cleared.

Subscribe to Grocery Gazette for free

Sign up here to get the latest grocery and food news each morning

“The summer holidays should be a time for families to relax and make memories, not worry about how they’re going to afford their next food shop,” said Iceland Food executive chairman Richard Walker.

“But the reality for millions is very different. When we hear that nearly a quarter of parents are skipping meals so their children can eat, we know we have to step in.”

“Our Food Club will be available this summer, offering real, practical support that helps people stock up their fridges and freezers without falling into debt traps.”

Fair for You CEO Simon Dukes added: “The summer break is always one of the most financially stressful times of the year for families and with the rising cost of living, we’re expecting this six-week break to be our busiest period to date.

“Our Food Club with Iceland offers a safe, flexible alternative to high-cost credit, allowing parents to put food on the table now and repay in a way that works for them, especially when many will be preparing for the next set of back-to-school costs.

“We’re experts at helping people to borrow responsibly and are even able to help people with poor credit if we can see that they can afford to make £10 weekly repayments.”

To maximise the loan, Iceland has worked with registered dietitian Tanya Haffner to create a healthy, budget‑friendly basket based on the £75 Food Club loan.

This nutritionally balanced selection provides 126 portions for a family of two adults and two under‑fives.