People in Stamford "living on a knife edge", as school-based foodbanks shoot up in England
There are now more foodbanks inside schools than outside of schools in England, research shows
Last updated 17th Apr 2024
A food surplus charity says some people in Stamford are "living on a knife edge", as research reveals there's now a foodbank in one in every five schools in England.
A report, from the University of Bristol, shows schools have now stepped in as a 'fourth emergency service', and are now the biggest source of charitable food for households struggling with the cost of living crisis.
It states there are now 4,000 school-based food banks in primary and secondary schools across England - the equivalent to one in every five.
George Hetherington runs the pay-what-you-like food surplus charity George's Food Hub in Stamford, and said: "It's difficult for people. The cost of food going up, the cost of electricity, the cost of gas, the cost of rent."
"There are lots of people living on a knife edge, even in rich Stamford."
"It is regarded as being a rich town, but every town has people living in poverty. It's not surprising and it needs to be accepted."
George, who runs his Food Hub out of four schools in Stamford, added: "We've been operating for 18 months now, and we've given out food for nearly 47,000 people."
"In one week we gave out food to nearly 1,060 people. It's got to be essential with that many people coming to us."
"A lot of people in Stamford don't believe me when I say that every primary school in Stamford, that's five primary schools - not one in five - they all have some children going home with no evening meal."
A 'fourth emergency service'
Schools have increasingly stepped in as a fourth emergency service and are now the biggest source of charitable food and household aid for families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, a new report suggests.
Researchers from the University of Bristol found school foodbanks are more prevalent in deprived areas and schools, highlighting the severity of child food insecurity and the challenges facing low-income families.
The report calls for greater awareness among policy makers and reform, including an overhaul of the social security system, to address the growing issue.
Lead author Dr William Baker, from the University of Bristol, said: "Our research shows there are now, quite shockingly, more foodbanks inside schools than outside of schools in England.
"In recent years inflation has sent the cost of essentials spiralling, while other forms of state support have withered due to swingeing cutbacks.
"Schools are on the frontline in responding to food poverty and many are offering crisis services to struggling families.
"Teachers and support staff see the devastating effects of poverty and the cost-of-living crisis daily, so they have felt compelled to act.
"The result is a flourishing patchwork of foodbanks, pantries, and food clubs, which have become well-established, are often highly organised operations distributing more than just food and are an indictment of this country's retreating welfare state.
"I'll never forget the stark image of dozens of boxes of new school shoes, bought out of school funds, stacked up ready for distribution as if this was business as usual."
The survey data used in the study indicates foodbanks exist in more than a fifth (21%) of schools and this rises to a third (33%) in schools with the high numbers of students from deprived backgrounds.
Charitable and third sector organisations, chiefly The Trussell Trust and The Independent Food Aid Network, remain key players operating 1,646 and 1,172 foodbanks respectively.
But the latest data indicates schools now outstrip this, running an estimated 4,250 food banks.
"The fact so many schools now offer a foodbank raises the possibility they may have already become completely normalised and institutionalised within schools in England," Dr Baker added.
The report builds on Dr Baker's previous research which uncovered how school food aid operations varied in size and structure, ranging from discreet food parcels given to parents and funded by staff donations to larger-scale, well-advertised regular provision with food supplied by large supermarkets and food waste charities.
The report claims policy makers are largely unaware of the nature and scale of the problem, in contrast to previous high-profile media campaigns for universal free school meals and holiday food vouchers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr Baker said: "There is a policy vacuum around charitable food aid in schools in England and across the UK.
"Although much attention has been given to free school meal provision, the pressing wider problem of children going hungry routinely at home due to rocketing food costs and other budget pressures, such as fuel prices and interest rates, isn't being properly addressed.
"The fact schools are running foodbanks en masse is falling under the radar with no national support, guidance, or oversight.
"Food charity is not the solution: people need secure, fairly-remunerated jobs, and support through the benefits system so they can afford to properly feed and clothe their kids."
A government spokesperson said:
“There are 1.1 million fewer people living in absolute poverty compared to 2010, including 100,000 children, and our £108bn cost of living support package prevented 1.3 million people falling into poverty in 2022/23.
“Children are six times less likely to experience poverty if they are living in a household where all adults work, which is why our Back to Work Plan will help over a million people to find, stay and succeed in work.
“This month we boosted benefits and pensions to support millions of people on the lowest incomes and the Household Support Fund continues to provide vital support for those most in need.”