The latest Trussell Trust’s forecast reveals high demand for food parcels this winter, as families struggle to cope with the cost-of-living crisis.
Peter Shreeve, Assistant District Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
“Food banks are gearing up to support even more people than last winter – a damning sign that Government has failed to do enough to support people most in need.
“The Trust nationally are expecting an increase on the 220,000 children who accessed foodbanks last year.”
A COSMO study published in May this year, entitled ‘Financial Inequalities in the Pandemic‘, produced many worrying links between poverty, mental health and GCSE grades.
Indeed, the study indicates ‘Being a long-term foodbank user on its own is linked with about 18 grades lower in KS4 performance (more than two grades per subject)’.
1,600 Island children supported
Looking at local needs, Mr Shreeve went on to say,
“This doesn’t bode well for the 1,589 children, who have been supported by the Isle of Wight Foodbank over the last six months, nor for the increased need forecast.”
Shreeve: Government must act now to reverse this worrying trend
He went on to add,
“Government must stop making excuses and act now to reverse this worrying trend. Poverty and child hunger impact negatively on educational attainment leading to tremendous social and moral costs.
“Government needs to introduce free school meals for all children, starting with those in primary. Government must act now to decrease child hunger, so that all children can achieve well educationally.
“The cost of inaction is far greater.”
