4.3 million children in the UK are living in poverty, and many of these children regularly go without healthy meals.

When the school gates close, many children lose more than lessons — they lose access to food, safety, and routine.

That’s where Meals & More steps in. By bringing communities together, they help ensure children have access to healthy meals, enriching activities, and safe spaces during the school holidays — when access to free school meals is not available and support is needed most.

Since 2015, Meals & More has grown from just four holiday clubs to a network of over 400 across the UK, supporting the provision of more than 2.5 million meals through trusted partners.

They believe every child deserves a good start in life—not only during the school term, but throughout the holidays too. As need continues to grow, their ambition is to help provide one million meals every year by 2030.

Alongside supporting the provision of meals, Meals & More provides enriching experiences through programmes such as the Big Day Out, giving children and families the opportunity to enjoy memorable trips and activities that many would otherwise miss. From visits to attractions and outdoor adventures to opportunities to learn, play and build confidence, these experiences help create lasting memories, reduce social isolation and ensure children can enjoy the same opportunities as their peers.

This is why Team Stride for Smiles will be taking on the Robin Hood Half Marathon and Mini Marathon—to help raise vital funds for Meals & More. Every donation, no matter the size, will help provide meals, enriching activities and unforgettable experiences for children who need them most.

You can help make this possible — support our team of 20+ taking on the challenge by donating, fundraising, or sharing our page. Every action helps feed a child’s future.

£13.50 – provides one healthy meal for 10 children during the school holidays.

£40.50 – provides one healthy meal for 30 children during the school holidays.

£135.00 – provides one healthy meal for an entire club (based on an average club size of 100 children)* during the school holidays.

£1,000 - allows a group of children a Big Day Out experience.

*Club sizes vary, so this amount covers a full club of around 100 children for one day; smaller clubs require less.