Schools now biggest source of food banks, says Bristol research
One in five schools across England now run one
Schools are now the biggest source of food banks for families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis according to new research from the University of Bristol.
The working paper reveals there are more school-based food banks than regular food banks across the country, with more than 4,000 in primary and secondary schools across England. This means one in every five schools runs this type of service.
The study also found that food banks in schools are more common in deprived areas of the country, with a third of these schools having a food bank, highlighting the challenges low-income families are facing.
The report calls for greater awareness amongst policy makers and an overhaul of the social security system to address the growing issue.
Lead author, Dr William Baker, Senior Lecturer at the University of Bristol School of Education, said: “Our research shows there are now, quite shockingly, more food banks inside schools than outside of schools in England. 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 food banks, pantries and food clubs, which have become well-established, often highly organised and distributing more than just food.
“I’ll never forget the stark images 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.”
Charities such as The Trussell Trust and The Independent Food Aid Network operate 1,646 and 1,172 food banks respectively. But, the latest data indicates schools now exceed these numbers, running an estimated 4,250 food banks.
The report builds on Dr Baker’s previous research which uncovered how food aid in schools varied in size and structure, ranging from discreet food parcels given to parents, to larger-scale, well-advertised regular services with food supplied by large supermarkets and food waste charities.
It also claims policy makers are largely unaware of the scale of the problem, in contrast to previous high-profile campaigns for universal free school meals and holiday food vouchers during the pandemic.
Dr Baker adds: “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 at home…isn’t being properly addressed.
“The fact schools are running food banks 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”.
The report aims to spark conversations about whether schools should be filling this role in the first place. However, as it doesn’t look like the cost-of living-crisis or school food banks are set to disappear any time soon, it also calls for more training so staff are better equipped to tackle the issue.
In response a government spokesperson told Tay FM: “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 as the country experienced heightened cost of living pressures driven by the war in Ukraine and impact of Covid.
“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.”