New research by London’s largest food redistribution charity, The Felix Project, has found over two thirds (67%) of teachers in England are concerned at least one child in their class will experience hunger during the summer holidays because their parents or carers cannot afford to feed them.
9,137 teachers answered the survey, which was commissioned by Felix and carried out by Teacher Tapp. In total 50% of those were worried up to three children in their class will go hungry, 13% worried between four to six children would be affected; 2% said up to 10 children and worryingly 2% said more than 11 per class. These findings could mean around 675,000 school children are at risk of experiencing hunger.
The results show the numbers are higher in primary schools, where 73% of the teachers who responded worried at least one child would go hungry because of the extra costs of food during the summer break. That could equate to 390,000 children aged between 4 and 11.
Further analysis revealed that for schools in the most deprived areas, where more pupils are eligible for free school meals, just 9% of teachers say they expect no child to experience hunger, that compares to 41% in the most affluent areas.
The charity, which rescues high quality food that cannot be sold and would otherwise go to waste, says it is doing all it can to help parents. During term time, The Felix Project delivers food to 170 schools a week. This year 28 schools will be staying open and getting much larger food deliveries. In addition, hundreds of tonnes more food will be given to both existing and new sites, over the next six weeks. With 50% of the organisations supported by Felix reporting an increase in demand during school holidays, it’s hoped these extra deliveries will ensure children and families across London have access to healthy and nutritious food.
One of the schools in line to receive support over the summer is William Ford Junior School in Dagenham, they will be providing weekly food distribution. This will be open to parents of William Ford along with past pupil families. It will also be available to parents of their infant school, especially the upcoming year 3 pupils. The school are also offering pre loved shoes and uniform to families in need. Finally working with Kick, they are offering a football and dance club which is free for all pupil premium children.
David Huntingford is Headteacher, he said: “These results are shocking but not surprising, I believe we will have some classes where between 6-10 children are at risk of going hungry this summer. During term time we offer a food bank that supports around 68 families, and it is vital for so many of them. When this service is closed, we know many parents worry about how they will afford to put food on the table, so having it open over the summer will be huge relief for many. The food we get from The Felix Project will prevent holiday hunger and ensure our pupils enjoy their summer break and come back feeling ready and energised for the new term.”
CEO of The Felix Project, Charlotte Hill OBE adds: “For so many the holidays are a real struggle. With schools closed and free school meals unavailable, it is the parents and carers who must cover the cost of that meal. But for so many, on already tight food budgets, the extra burden is just unmanageable. All this means kids will go hungry. It is a sad reality, and The Felix Project is doing what it can to support people in need. During the summer months there is often more surplus food available, but with more food comes more logistics and more costs and that is why we are launching an urgent summer appeal. Please help us be there to rescue more food and feed more children over the holidays.”
To find out more or donate to our summer campaign please click here.
