New Food Foundation data sheds light on food insecurity

As reported by the National Education Union, food insecurity not only has a negative impact on health and livelihood, it also impacts a child’s ability to learn

Commenting on the latest data from the Food Foundation’s food insecurity tracker which shows 4m children are now living in homes without adequate access to food, Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, said:    

“This confirms what our members have been seeing in schools for months: that this government is plunging more families into insecurity and at an alarming rate. The 50% increase since April 2022 in the number of children living in food insecure households should be alarming enough for the government. If they don’t get a grip and take action, then millions of children will go hungry this winter.   

“Food insecurity not only has a negative impact on health and livelihood, it also impacts a child’s ability to learn. The food they receive at school may well be the only meal they get that day.   

“It is clear that the government must invest in school food and roll out free school meals for all children in primary school to put money back in parents pockets and ensure that all children get a hot, nutritious meal every day.   

“The government must also finally commit to increasing benefits in line with inflation to show some intent in preventing and epidemic of hunger this winter.”