One in five parents of schoolchildren aged five to 16 will skip a meal or more this summer holiday so there will be enough food for their children, according to new figures.

The figures, obtained by The Trussell Trust – the UK poverty charity with a foodbank network – revealed this increases to almost one in three for those aged 25 to 34.

Kristan Payne, the chairman of trustees for Borehamwood Foodbank, said many families whose children receive free school meals during term time struggle with extra costs in school holidays.

She said: “To help alleviate the burden on these families the Borehamwood Foodbank are running summer holiday family lunches.

“Our team of 15 volunteers have arranged weekly sessions during the month of August where we work closely with referral agencies, to help families in need.

“These lunches are free of charge and include crafts and activities to help keep the children busy, followed by a two course meal.

“We also send each family home with a food parcel to help them through the remainder of the week.

“We have found that this is a huge support for some families who may very well be close to financial crisis.”

Funding towards the cost of providing the meals was given by Hertfordshire Community Foundation – a charity who aim to tackle need and deprivation in the county.

It manages more than 90 funds on behalf of individual, families and companies who want to help make Hertfordshire a better place to live and work.

Jonathan Aves, foundation director of Hertfordshire Community Foundation, said: “No one should have to regularly go without food in order to feed their children.

“We are pleased to have been able to provide some support to this valuable community initiative.”

The remainder of the Borehamwood Foodbank Family lunches will take place on August 17 and 24 in St Teresa’s Church Hall, Shenley Road.

There is no charge, however places need to be booked in advance by texting 07902 437 872 or emailing info@borehamwood.foodbank.org.uk