The rapid rise of food banks in schools: lessons for policy and practice

The research underpinning this Policy Brief explores how, in response to high levels of food insecurity, growing numbers are running food banks and providing food aid because so many families are struggling to adequately feed their children. This is important because in recent years, there has been increased public and political debate around child food insecurity, ‘holiday-hunger’ and the UK’s ‘cost-of-living’ crisis. However, there is limited research on how schools have been supporting low-income families experiencing food insecurity during this period.

This research includes qualitative and quantitative data. Drawing on interview data from staff working in early years settings and primary and secondary schools, we explore how and why staff are providing charitable aid to working class and low-income families. Drawing on nationally representative quantitative data from teachers across England, which we have accessed through, Teacher Tapp, we are able to assess how many school-based food banks there are in England and the sorts of schools they are found in.