OVER HALF OF PARENTS CONCERNED ABOUT FINANCIAL PRESSURES THIS HALF TERM – WITH FOOD, CLOTHING AND GIFTS BEING CUT

·      55% of parents and grandparents looking after children are concerned about the added financial strain over half term breaks

·      To support caregivers, Subway will offer a ‘Kids Eat Free’ promotion this October half term

New research released today from Subway® reveals half of UK parents and grandparents (55%) are facing financial hardship due to the cost-of-living crisis; with many (55%) concerned about making ends-meet this half term. 

Parents and grandparents are struggling to meet the costs of vital needs like food (23%) and clothes (25%), with less essential but equally important, birthday gifts (32%) for their loved ones. 

Cut-backs and conscious money choices 

More than half of parents and grandparents (57%) said they would cut buying meals for kids on days-out to save on other outgoings. Other non-essential costs for the chop this half term will be days-out (44%), entertainment – such as toys/video games and consoles (35%) and non-educational books (15%). 

For those that do buy food on the high street, many will seek out eateries that they feel are more affordable; with supermarkets (66%), fast-food/Quick Service Restaurants (45%) and cafes and deli’s (29%) topping the list. Those choosing to spend anticipate they will pay £13 per child for food on days-out, on average. 

The most important factor when deciding where to buy food on days-out was, unsurprisingly, price (50%). But parents and grandparents also seek quality food (45%), and options that appealed to their kids (33%). 

Subway supports parents

Shockingly, nearly half of parents and grandparents (44%) struggle to provide three meals a day for kids during half term breaks. 

To help support greater food security Subway will provide all guests visiting a participating store with a child the option to receive a free Kids Pack, when they order any Footlong Sub. This is redeemable between 16th October – 5th November 2023 to guests who scan their unique Subway Rewards® code (found in the Subway App).  This offer follows on from the Sub You campaign last year, which saw Subway partner with Judi Love to raise awareness of the great deals from Subway as well as its partnerships with FareShare and the CC Foundation.

Kids Pack is a fun and tasty meal option that encourages youngsters to enjoy more nutritious food. Guests can choose a 4-inch Sub with a choice of filling, including ham, chicken, tuna, cheese or Veggie Delite® – with the addition of over eight healthy choices of vegetables and salads.

Subway’s Kids’ Pack also comes with a Robinson’s Fruit Shoot or bottle of water, a Bear Pure Fruit Yoyo and even a complimentary packet of seeds to plant at home, so little ones can plant and grow their very own Salad Squad of tomatoes, sweetcorn, lettuce and onions!

Sara Stanner BSc MSc RPHNutr FAfN (Science Director, British Nutrition Foundation) comments: “Good nutrition is key for healthy growth and development of children. But we know that the cost-of-living crisis is making it especially difficult for parents and carers to access the foods they need to provide a healthy diet. We need action across the food chain to help people to feed their children well and we welcome this initiative from Subway to make it easier to find healthier, affordable options for children when eating out this half term.”

Kirstey Elston, Marketing Director for Subway® UK and Ireland comments: “We want to make it easier for families to enjoy healthier and affordable meals together. So, we’re really excited to be offering our first Kids Eat Free promotion this half term – helping families save money, without having to sacrifice on quality.