Teachers spending more than £220 of their own money on hungry kids every year
A new study of of 867 teachers found 36% see hungry children arriving at school every day, with some regularly spending their own money to buy food for the kids
Teachers are digging into their own pockets, spending nearly £25 a month – that's more than £220 throughout the academic year – to feed hungry school kids. According to a study of 867 educators, teachers spend an average of four hours a week helping and supporting hungry children.
The ' Hungry to Learn: The impact of morning hunger on schoolchildren' report uncovered that over a third witness hungry children arriving at school every day. As a result, many are regularly parting with their own money to buy food for kids, and a quarter have given away food they brought in for themselves.
The study found 78% of the teachers polled consider the issue of kids not having food every day to be a 'significant' worry, and 49% of teachers feel the number of children going hungry has increased compared to last year.
However, eight in ten teachers admitted they often feel more like a caregiver than a teacher, with 78% describing that the school had become more of a 'community hub'. This has left more than one in twenty claiming they may not have become a teacher had they known the extra 'pastoral responsibility' that would come with it.
Andrew Ridge, social impact and sustainability lead at Kellogg's, which commissioned the research to launch its annual Breakfast Clubs Awards, stressed that: '"Teachers are truly going above and beyond to help kids stay fed.'
With the cost of living he suggests many more parents are feeling the pinch, which is leaving many children struggling to focus on their education due to the impact of being hungry in the morning.
"We must continue to join forces as educators, businesses and government to help support those communities, and take collective action to tackle hunger.'
The research, discovered that a shocking one in four adults are having trouble feeding their family, with many reducing their electric and gas usage to scrape together money for meals. Others have had to rely on loans from family and friends.
Andrew added: 'Breakfast clubs make a huge difference. They not only create a welcoming space where children can socialise, feel settled before school, and be ready to learn, but also provide vital childcare support for parents and carers.'
Jack Ryan, 20, works as Buildings Health and Safety and Community Manager at Co-op Academy Failsworth, a school with nearly 1,500 students. He works both on the Academy's community fridge scheme, as well as their Breakfast Clubs, which can feed as many as 400 students on a single day.
He said: 'Our motto is 'take what you need and leave what you can'. We provide ambient food, staples you can make meals out of, and hygiene products as well because we are fighting hygiene and period poverty and things like that.
'Around 45% of our students are entitled to free school meals, and the area is quite deprived. We also offer in the morning a free Breakfast Club, which is run by a small team. I come in early every morning, and the team and I give that time for free.
Despite not being on the teaching staff, Jack interacts with children on a daily basis and recognises the dangers of children not arriving to school well-fed, noting: "Arriving to school hungry can sometimes have an impact on their behaviour."
Jack also reports there are children who are not entitled to free school meals, but still struggle, which is where breakfast clubs can continue to help.
He said: 'On the one hand it's amazing, we've got this facility that so many people are donating to, so many companies are donating and supporting such great provision, which is having such a massive impact – but on the other hand, it's something that we shouldn't have to do.'
The spokesperson added: 'We are celebrating the teachers and schools going above and beyond at our annual Breakfast Club Awards, highlighting those who are making considerable impacts on their local community.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- South Wales Argus
Monmouthshire Council planning decisions this week
Silver birch approved for removal A dangerously leaning silver birch tree was approved for removal by a delegated officer in Monmouthshire. The tree was threatening a house, power line, and heating oil supply pipe. Usk store to undergo redevelopment The Co-op store on Bridge Street, Usk, will see a range of upgrades to its building and infrastructure. Approved plans include the installation of a new gas cooler, DA pack, and air conditioning units in the rear yard, replacing existing equipment. The timber shop fronts will be repaired and redecorated to match the current appearance. The main entrance canopy will receive new boxing at its base to address damage to the timber columns. Additional improvements include new ventilation systems, external LED lighting, and internal refurbishments such as upgraded flooring, ceilings, and fire boarding. The application was granted listed building consent on June 3. Glamping site approved in Tintern A sustainable glamping site in Tintern has been approved by planners. The seasonal development includes six bell tents, two compost toilets, and a shower block at Cross Farm, Ravensnest Wood Road. Cottage set for energy efficiency upgrades A cottage near Tintern is set for energy efficiency upgrades. Monmouthshire County Council has approved plans to retrofit The Retreat, located on Barbadoes Hill, with external wall insulation and three new Velux roof windows. The insulation will be applied to all four sides of the property and finished with a white render. The application was approved by delegated decision on June 2. Roof light given green light in Caerwent A homeowner has been granted permission to add an extra roof light to their home. Caerwent Community Council granted the applicant's request for a property on Merton Green, Caerwent, on May 29. Garden to become driveway in Chepstow A front garden is set to be converted into a driveway. Monmouthshire County Council has approved a request to replace the lawn at 23 Western Avenue in Chepstow with a hard-surfaced parking area. The proposed driveway will measure six metres by 6.5 metres. The application was approved on June 2. Forestry access track plans withdrawn Elsewhere, plans to build a forestry access track in Devauden have been withdrawn. The track was planned to support tree felling operations in Little Tredean Wood, where mature larch trees have been infected with Phytophthora ramorum. The proposal was withdrawn on June 3. Garden extension in Devauden approved Meanwhile, a bungalow's garden will be extended after planning permission was granted. The land will be incorporated into the residential garden at Pen Y Bryn Bungalow, Cobblers Hill, Devauden. Gym and home office approved in Newchurch A new gym and home office outbuilding at Pyotts Cottage, Coed Llifos Road, Newchurch, has been approved. The construction was greenlit by a delegated officer. Yew tree to be pruned to protect St Tysois Church Finally, a historic yew tree will be pruned to protect a village church. Located in the churchyard of St Tysois Church in Llansoy, near Usk, the tree will be trimmed to prevent overhanging branches from damaging the building or impeding access. Monmouthshire County Council approved the plans on June 2. The work will raise the tree's crown to two metres and clear branches within three metres of the church on its western side. The application also includes the removal of epicormic shoots from the trunk.
Times
5 days ago
- Times
Teaser 3271
Uncut Diamonds Andrew was building a rhombus-shaped patio. He could have paved it with equilateral triangular slabs with 1ft edges, but he wanted a layout with a hexagonal slab in place of six triangular ones at various places. He considered two layouts that were symmetrical in two perpendicular directions: Layout 1: every triangular slab touches the perimeter of the patio in at least one point. Layout 2: each group of three adjacent hexagonal slabs encloses exactly one triangular one. The triangular and hexagonal slabs come in boxes of 12, and Andrew chose layout 1 because he would only need a third as many boxes of triangular slabs as layout 2. What length were the sides of the patio and how many slabs in total would be left over? Send your solution to: The Sunday Times Teaser 3271, PO Box 29, Colchester, Essex CO2 8GZ or email The first two correct solutions opened after next Saturday each win a £20 Waterstones voucher. Open to 18+ UK & ROI residents only. Solution to Teaser 3269 912 The winners are: J Kelly, Walsall, West Midlands; K Walne, Heighington, Lincolnshire.
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- South Wales Argus
What people in Caerleon said about Roman Lodge hostel plans
After the Argus reported the plans last week, Facebook's Open Caerleon page contained strident opinion about improvements at the hostel, which has been granted by Newport Council. The Argus therefore went out to gauge Caerleon opinion on the town's openness, its tolerance to the homeless and whether those who opposed the hostel would speak openly. Those agreeing with some of the strong opinions shared online would not go on record. Whereas those being more supportive were more willing to be identified. Many doubters made comic descriptions on comments online: 'They're in public, swigging from cans and in dressing gowns, it's just not Caerleon." Another added: 'Grown up crack babies are not good for property prices." Meg Preston (Image: NQ) Those prepared to speak openly took a different approach. Meg Preston, who works at Coffiology, wants to see people get along and not engage in social media wars. She originally comes from southern California, the home of social media: 'My accent marks me out as different. Here, I'm 'American' and in America I get called 'Brit.' I came here 26 years ago and I lost my accent when at school. I think the internet's rekindled it. 'It's an emotive issue and we all need to take time before we comment. I understand reservations and I really do understand people being singled out too. We all need to stop and think before we post. I am not on social media.' Ann Barnes was a bit more forthright: 'I remember it (The Roman Lodge) way back. We used to call it 'The Old Rising Damp'. I have no problem with it being improved and used. 'As for Open Caerleon, I don't look at it, it doesn't reflect Caerleon. My favourite phrase for it begins with an 'f!' "It's poison. I did some allotment work during lockdown and posted it on there. The abuse followed and I've never gone back.' Health worker Joy said 'it breaks my heart' (Image: NQ) Health worker Joy, said: 'It breaks my heart that there are homeless people.' She continued: "As I understand it, someone has invested in it and that's a good thing for us all – probably. Someone's invested and they deserve a reward, don't they?' Visitors Andrew and Lucy Stephens (Image: NQ) Andrew and Lucy Stephens, tourists from South Africa, said: 'Wales is lovely, green and welcoming. I don't know about local animosity, but all we've seen here is welcome, openness and trust. 'We see a lot of homelessness and poverty back home and we all need to find a way forward,' said Andrew.
