Iceland Foods is reopening its pioneering Food Club interest-free loan scheme to support families during the summer holidays – one of the most financially challenging points in the school calendar.
Created in partnership with not-for-profit lender Fair for You, Iceland’s Food Club provides interest-free loans of up to £100, helping families spread the cost of essential food and household items.
Since launching in 2021, over 40,000 families have used the scheme, with evidence suggesting that, for some, the loan has made the difference between eating and going hungry.
Independent research from The Centre for Responsible Credit (CfRC) shows the Food Club has delivered measurable impact for thousands of households across the UK. Customers have collectively saved an estimated £2 million by avoiding high-interest credit, while 71% report improved diets, including a 41% increase in families eating fruit at least three days a week.
Jane Griffiths, a mum of six from Connah’s Quay, Wales, is a member of the Food Club. She balances caring for her three children at home, supporting her eldest daughter with childcare for her six grandchildren, and working weekends.
Speaking about the scheme, Jane said: “School holidays can be chaos when you’ve got children and grandchildren constantly in and out of the house asking for food. The Food Club has really, really helped my family. Having six children, including a son who was born prematurely and is partially sighted and deaf, there are always extra costs and challenges to manage.
“When the children break up from school, it’s a huge worry trying to make sure there’s enough food in the house for everyone. Without the Food Club, I’d be looking at other ways to get by, whether that’s turning to a food bank or taking out a high-interest loan and paying back more than I borrowed. The fact Food Club is interest-free gives me peace of mind, because I know I’m getting support without getting into debt.
“The extra help means I can fill the cupboards and fridge with food and treats for the children and know that no one is going without. It takes away so much stress and makes a real difference to our family.”
The top-up window for the summer holidays opens on 13th July, with returning customers able to load their interest-free loan onto a pre-paid card for use at Iceland or The Food Warehouse until 2nd September, helping cover essentials while children are at home. These controlled windows ensure the scheme remains a responsible and sustainable form of support rather than ongoing credit dependency.
Repayments are set at £10 per week to help families spread the cost in a manageable way although loans can be paid off earlier and the card recharged during top up windows. Those looking to use Food Club for the first time can apply for a Food Club loan at any time on the Fair for You website. All applications are subject to affordability checks. Successful applicants are able to shop both in-store and online using their preloaded card.
Richard Walker, executive chairman of Iceland Foods, said: “School holidays bring real pressure for many households. The Food Club gives families breathing space, helping them avoid the trap of predatory lenders while ensuring they can afford the essentials. We’re proud at Iceland to continue offering practical support where it’s needed most.”
Simon Dukes, CEO of Fair For You, added: “Affordable credit changes lives. The evidence and stories like Jane’s speak for themselves.
“The Food Club supports families at moments when budgets are most stretched, helping parents keep healthy food on the table without going hungry themselves or turning to high-cost alternatives.”
For more information, visit: https://www.fairforyou.co.uk
