Ellie Ames 29 June 2023

LGA: Extend food support to stop harm to children’s health

LGA: Extend food support to stop harm to children’s health  image
Image: Irina Wilhauk / Shutterstock.com.

Council chiefs have called for an extension of eligibility for free school meals and an increase in the value of the healthy start voucher scheme after a report found that the rising cost of food is causing children’s health to deteriorate.

A new report by the School And Public Health Nurses Association (SAPHNA) found that two thirds of health practitioners surveyed said that children’s health had got worse over the past year because of hunger and poor nutrition.

Almost four fifths of the 313 health practitioners who took part in the poll said that they had encountered children’s teeth being damaged at a higher rate than usual.

The study also reported that children were putting on weight slower than expected, showing changes in behaviour, and experiencing more frequent mental health problems.

Cllr David Baines, vice-chair of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Community Wellbeing Board, said the findings were ‘deeply concerning’.

He said: ‘Food inflation is at its highest for almost half a century and this is hitting the poorest households hardest. The near-£500 annual saving for a family for each child on free school meals can make all the difference, now more so than ever before.

‘While it is good that the Government is investing over £1bn in support for free school meals, it can go further to tackle this issue and extend eligibility for free school meals to ensure all children in poverty are entitled to at least one hot meal per day, including a review of the current income threshold of £7,400 per year.

‘As well as this, the value of the healthy start voucher scheme for families should be increased to keep pace with the rising cost of food. This will help to ensure that children can lead happy and healthy lives, regardless of their family income.’

Sign up here to receive our free daily news and jobs bulletin.

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recuriter: Hull City Council

Strategic Director, Finance and Resources (S.151 Officer)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
£110,799 - £120,706
Blackburn with Darwen is a distinctive, welcoming and vibrant borough with a strong identity and a genuine buzz about the place. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Residential Worker, Edge of Care Service

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 PAY AWARD PENDING
Join a Groundbreaking Team Supporting Families in Seaham Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bikeability Cycling Instructor

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 to £25,992 pro rata (Pay Award Pending)
The Road Safety Team are keen to recruit additional Casual Bikability Instructors to join our team of instructors delivering Bikeability cycle trainin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner