Nearly a quarter of families with children under five are affected by food poverty, a stark finding revealed in a recent study. The research by the Education Policy Institute (EPI) indicates that the rate spikes to 50% among single-parent households with young children. Additionally, households with a child under five and an adult with a disability face food poverty at a rate of 39%.
The study sheds light on the neglect of children under five in the context of food poverty compared to older children. According to the research, households with children aged five to 17 are less likely, with only 19% experiencing food poverty.
Dr. Kerris Cooper, EPI’s associate director of early years and inequalities, expressed alarm at the shockingly high levels of poverty among young children. She emphasized the increased risk of food poverty for younger children, especially when considering other contributing factors.
Defined by the study, families in food poverty struggle with challenges like skipping meals, inadequate food intake, or weight loss due to financial constraints. Dr. Cooper pointed out the progress made in supporting school-age children, particularly through extending free school meals to all children in families receiving Universal Credit. However, she highlighted the inconsistency in support across different age groups.
Dr. Cooper called attention to the lack of awareness regarding the heightened food poverty risk for pre-school children. She advocated for offering free meals to all disadvantaged pre-school children, irrespective of their nursery setting, and expanding initiatives like the Healthy Start Scheme.
Various experts echoed the concerns raised in the study, emphasizing the critical impact of food poverty on children’s physical development, education, and overall well-being. Calls were made for policy reviews to ensure adequate support for families with young children facing food insecurity.
Government efforts to address child poverty were acknowledged, including measures to increase access to free school meals and consultations on further support for families with young children. The Mirror’s ongoing campaign for free school meals for all primary school children was also highlighted.
