Abstract The multiple health costs associated with social isolation, inactivity and poor diet are well documented, evidencing vulnerable and low-income households to be most at risk. Until recently, the negative impact holiday periods have on vulnerable households with children was overlooked. Recent studies in Wales, Scotland and England have highlighted the impact holidays can have on school readiness, diet, mental and physical health, including notably the APPG Hungry Holidays report on child hunger in holiday periods. Using a formula of learning, food and play for families when they need it most, Holiday Kitchen, developed by Accord Housing Association, focuses on:Improving families' access to and experience of good holiday nutritionStrengthening peer and family relationship Engaging families in inclusive, fun learning and physical activities.Working with community providers and Birmingham City University (BCU), Holiday Kitchen has used participative methods of enquiry to explore the impact holiday meal and enrichment activities can have on wellbeing. Based on learning from over 16,000 activity days with meals for 2,138 participants, Holiday Kitchen's series of academic reports demonstrate multiple positive health outcomes for participants, communities and statutory agencies. Food, activities and relationships are particularly valued by children, while parents highlight wellbeing improvements for both themselves and their children. Relative to other Prevention and Early Help interventions, a PHE funded case study concluded Holiday Kitchen type provision clearly offers a cost effective approach to addressing the public health risks of poor diet and social isolation in school holidays. External funding details Funding: BBC Children in Need, Accord and BCU.