Nearly half of parents admit they’re struggling more to feed their children today than five years ago, according to a survey.
One in ten say their children don’t get enough to eat or are unable to get a balanced meal every day. And 15% of parents rely on a few low-cost foods to feed the family.
Almost 80% of the 2,500 parents who were asked said they skipped meals or did not eat enough every day, and six out of then admitted that they had gone an entire day without eating because they could not afford to.
Few issues deserve greater urgency than hungry children
Although the study did not differentiate between families with special needs members and the general population, issues around food are often associated with conditions such as autism, poor mental health, and eating disorders.
The Social Market Foundation, which commissioned the study, called for a government approach to addressing poverty and hunger.
It said that schemes set up in schools, such as breakfast clubs, were not reaching all families who needed it.
One in 5 such families said they had not accessed any formal support services in the previous year, suggesting an unmet need or an untapped access to support.
Regional disparities
Food insecurity varied sharply across regions and household types. London recorded the highest levels, with 27% of parents reporting child food insecurity, followed by the north-west and Wales at 22%.
Those who are renting, whether from the local authority (31%) or from a housing association (28%), were far more likely to be experiencing child food insecurity than those who own their own home with a mortgage (17%).
Jake Shepherd, senior researcher at Social Market Foundation, said: “Few issues deserve greater urgency than hungry children.
“While the government has taken important steps to address the challenge in recent years, including expanding free school meals and publishing its landmark Child Poverty Strategy, our findings show that family food insecurity is so widespread that further action is likely needed.
“The most effective way to reduce child food insecurity is increasing the amount of money families have in their pockets.
“This means ensuring households can afford the basics through strong social security and adequate incomes, as well as through new policies that help keep food accessible.
“While the current fiscal climate is challenging, there is scope for a more ambitious response.”
