New report: How can we reduce food poverty for under-fives? 

The prevalence of food poverty among families has been increasing significantly. While families with children generally face a higher risk than those without, those with children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable.¹  A new report launching today by the Education Policy Institute, How Can We Reduce Food Poverty for Under-Fives?, highlights the urgent need to address food poverty among the youngest and most vulnerable children in England. Authored by Dr Kerris Cooper and Dr Eva Jimenez, the report explores the scale of food poverty, its damaging impact, and actionable solutions.  

The approach 

The report aims to deepen understanding of food poverty in the early years and draws on a comprehensive evidence review and expert interviews with organisations specialising in food poverty and early years development. It examines the causes and consequences of food poverty for under-fives, evaluates national initiatives like the Healthy Start Scheme and free early years meals, considers local place-based approaches to tackling food poverty, and highlights local and international approaches that offer valuable lessons.  

Why focus on under-fives?

Children under five are more likely to experience food poverty than older age groups. Almost a quarter (24%) of households with children under four face food insecurity, compared to 19% of households with older children.¹ This is particularly concerning given the critical importance of the early years for long-term health and development. Food poverty during this period is linked to: 

• Physical health issues such as obesity and tooth decay. 

• Developmental delays affecting cognitive and social skills. 

• Increased risk of mental health and behavioural challenges. 

Dayna Brackley and Abigail Page from Bremner & Co were delighted to contribute to the section focused on early years settings, which highlights a significant gap in support for disadvantaged children:  

• Just 24,809 children in early years settings are eligible for free school meals (FSM), compared to 110,771 in Reception², exposing a disparity in policy coverage. 

• Early years settings face barriers including underfunding, rising costs, and lack of statutory nutritional guidance, leaving many unable to provide healthy meals for all children. 

Root causes of food poverty 

The report underscores that food poverty is fundamentally linked to income poverty. Rising food costs, stagnant wages, and changes to social security benefits have disproportionately affected low-income households. Policies like the Two Child Limit and the benefits cap have exacerbated the issue for families with young children. Additionally, the growing prevalence of “food deserts” and temporary accommodation with inadequate cooking facilities further compounds the problem. 

Expanding access to government-funded early years care adds complexity. While more children will spend significant portions of their day in early years settings, the report notes that these environments often lack the funding and guidance necessary to provide healthy meals. 

Recommendations to tackle food poverty for under-fives 

The report outlines five key recommendations to address the need for immediate, coordinated action to ensure young children receive the nutrition they need to thrive: 

• Reform Free Early Years Meals (FEYM): The report calls for removing restrictive criteria such as requiring children to attend before and after lunch to qualify. It also advocates extending eligibility to all low-income families, regardless of the type of early years setting, and raising the income threshold to support more disadvantaged children. The ultimate goal is to introduce universal free meals in early years settings, with government support for implementation. 

• Strengthen the Healthy Start Scheme: Increasing the value of payments and reviewing them regularly to reflect inflation is essential. Eligibility should be expanded to include children aged four and families with no recourse to public funds. Additionally, raising awareness through national campaigns, training for professionals, and introducing auto-enrolment can significantly boost uptake. 

• Develop a National Food Poverty Strategy: The government’s upcoming child poverty strategy should prioritise under-fives and reintroduce child poverty targets. Reforming Universal Credit and introducing measures like an Essentials Guarantee would ensure families have enough income to meet basic needs, including access to healthy food. 

• Create a Food Poverty Taskforce: A taskforce should address broader factors such as food deserts, inadequate cooking facilities in temporary housing, and support for early years settings to provide healthy meals. This would help tackle food poverty beyond income-related issues. 

• Empower Local Authorities: Sustainable funding should be provided to establish Food Poverty Alliances and tailored local action plans. Local authorities should work closely with communities to co-design solutions, fostering partnerships and sharing knowledge across regions to address specific challenges effectively. 

This report offers a roadmap to reducing food poverty among under-fives, ensuring all children have the opportunity to thrive during their critical early years. 

1.  Food Foundation, ‘Food Insecurity Tracking: Round 14’.
2. Department of Education, Schools, Pupils and their Characteristics 23/24