A new survey from Rethink Food’s National School Pantry Network (NSPN) reveals rising levels of food insecurity in UK schools, published on the very day the Government launches its new Our Children, Our Future – Tackling Child Poverty strategy, which highlights the NSPN as an example of impactful, community-led innovation (page 99).
Across schools surveyed, more than half report that children are arriving hungry every day. Teachers are witnessing increased fatigue, poor concentration, and growing anxiety among pupils, clear indicators that child hunger is deepening.
The Child Poverty Strategy recognises that practical, community-based programmes must sit alongside structural reforms. The NSPN is featured as a model of best practice for empowering schools with funding, training, and a stigma-free approach to family food support.
Key Survey Findings
- Hunger is widespread: 57% of schools see hungry pupils daily; 21% report over 31% of children regularly arriving hungry.
- Families are struggling:
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- 64% say families cannot afford food.
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- 14% cite the high cost of healthy ingredients.
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- 7% note stigma prevents families from seeking help.
- Impact on learning:
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- 50% report low energy or poor attendance.
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- 28.5% report difficulty concentrating.
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- 21% see negative impacts on mental health and wellbeing.
- Schools want support that works:
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- 71.5% say NSPN funding would make a significant impact – particularly through access to fresh produce, regular meals, and cooking education.
A National Strategy & a Local Solution Working Together
The Government’s new Child Poverty Strategy aims to address the drivers of poverty through employment, cost of living, financial support and early years intervention.
The NSPN is already delivering on-the-ground support that complements this national agenda, giving schools the infrastructure, training, and £3,900 annual funding they need to run dignified, culturally appropriate, non-stigmatising school pantries.
Nathan Atkinson, Co-Founder of Rethink Food, said:
“With the release of the new Child Poverty Strategy, the government has acknowledged what schools have been telling us for years – poverty and hunger are holding children back every single day.
Our latest survey shows this is not an isolated issue. Food insecurity in schools is real, increasing, and hurting children’s ability to learn and thrive.
We’re proud that the National School Pantry Network has been recognised within the strategy as an example of meaningful, community-led support. School pantries provide dignity, consistency and choice for families while reducing the stigma that too often surrounds food aid.
Now is the moment for bold, joined-up action, national leadership paired with practical, local solutions. NSPN stands ready to help deliver the change children urgently need.”
Rethink Food will use these findings to expand the National School Pantry Network, encourage more schools to join, and strengthen partnerships with funders, policymakers and community organisations.
