Post by : Meena Ariff

A charitable organization in Leeds is aiding schools in combatting food insecurity among students by providing funding for free fruit stalls, cooking classes, and food parcels for families in need.

Rethink Food, a nonprofit group, has commenced financial support for educational institutions to help them deliver food-related services, including supper clubs and food parcels for families facing financial strain. This effort comes amid increasing evidence that schools are stepping up to address the gaps caused by rising living expenses.

According to research from the University of Bristol, schools in England are becoming the largest providers of food assistance, with approximately 4,000 school-based food banks operational nationwide.

Nathan Atkinson, co-founder of Rethink Food, expressed his grave concern upon learning that some educators were personally funding meals to help students in need.

“Teachers and support staff were bringing food from home or spending their own money,” he noted. “This underlines just how tight school budgets have become.”

Mr. Atkinson, a former head teacher from Leeds, established the initiative after witnessing firsthand how hunger impacted children's learning experiences.

“It all began back in 2014 when a student told me they were hungry,” he recounted. “It's unrealistic to expect a child to learn effectively if their basic needs aren't met.”

Rethink Food has initiated a Food Pantry network, enabling schools to access guidance and receive £100 each week. This funding assists in covering the costs of food parcels, culinary activities, and extra support for families in need.

One of the schools benefiting from this scheme is Morley Victoria Primary School. With the funding, the school has launched a free weekly fruit stall and a supper club where students and families can enjoy meals together.

Kevin Precious, the assistant head teacher, mentioned that many more families are feeling the strain from rising living costs.

“It’s not only families without jobs,” he stated. “Even households where both parents work are finding it difficult as food prices, bills, and childcare expenses keep climbing.”

The school has observed an uptick in requests from families for assistance with school outings, sports gear, and basic food requirements.

Parent Anne-Marie Stobbs, whose three children attend the school, shared that her grocery expenses have nearly doubled over recent years.

“Food prices are so high that families often resort to purchasing less nutritious, processed foods,” she explained. “Programs like this really support parents in ensuring their children are well-fed.”

At the supper club, children not only learn to prepare simple meals but also take home any remaining ingredients.

“These cooking classes provide children with skills that will serve them for a lifetime,” Mr. Precious remarked. “Without this funding, we simply couldn’t provide this level of support.”