HALF-term holidays have proved difficult for many families during the coronavirus pandemic. For parents whose children receive free school meals, it can be difficult for them to provide for their children at the best of times — but the pandemic has squeezed finances even further. While recent school holidays have seen the Government step in after sustained pressure from the likes of footballer Marcus Rashford, families were left to rely on local council support this half-term. Coun Lisa Brown, who founded Carlisle Community Help and the city’s affordable food hub, said the organisation had seen an increase in demand last week — but the number of people who require support had already been rising.