Schools are increasingly becoming lifelines for families grappling with the cost-of-living crisis, as they step in to provide vital support, including food banks and other aid. In England, there are now more food banks operating within schools than in charitable organisations, with an estimated 4,250 food banks in schools compared to 1,646 run by charities.
The situation highlights the growing severity of child food insecurity, particularly in deprived areas. Recent figures reveal that in June and July 2024 alone, 13.6% of UK households were food insecure, demonstrating the urgent need for intervention.
In Bradford, Pennine Academies comprising seven primary schools, across Yorkshire has taken proactive steps to address this crisis. Thanks to a special delivery from West Mill Foods, families across these schools received much-needed support just in time for Christmas. Santa arrived early this year, dropping off pallets of flour, rice, and spices, providing vital resources to families struggling to make ends meet.
Eleanor Monnery, Headteacher at Crossley Hall Primary School, spoke about the growing challenges facing families and the significance of this support: “An increasing number of our families are requiring a higher level of support year on year as the cost-of-living spirals. We are accessing regular aid from food banks, Zarach (a charity tackling child bed poverty), and Bradford Baby Bank, as well as Yorkshire Children’s Charity, which has provided Christmas gifts for families to give to their children.”
She further explained the unique pressures families face during the holiday season:
“Some of our families experience increased financial pressure all year round, but the holiday period brings additional costs associated with meals usually provided by schools. For families already managing tight budgets, this added strain brings emotional stress and can impact the well-being of our pupils.”
Monnery emphasised the critical role such donations play, not just in easing
financial burdens but also in supporting the mental and physical health of children: “Children feel the weight of their family’s struggles, but the support we have received from West Mill will have a huge impact on their physical and mental health. The food donated was gratefully received by our parents, and every single item was taken. The generosity of West Mill provides us with reassurance that families who may have struggled will now have food and fuller cupboards over the holiday period.”
As schools increasingly act as hubs of support, this story highlights not only their vital role but also the deep-rooted challenges that families face. With food insecurity rising, partnerships between schools and organisations like West Mill Foods are becoming essential to help families weather these difficult times.
