In Britain today, more than four million children go to school hungry and rely on their school meal as their main source of food for the day. This issue hits close to home for Strictly Come Dancing judge, Shirley Ballas, who grew up in poverty with a single mother who struggled to provide for her family. Shirley recalls the importance of her free school meal and how it helped her get through tough times. She is now working on an ITV documentary, Kids in Poverty, to raise awareness about the struggles of families living in poverty, where 30% of UK children are below the poverty line.
Shirley’s upbringing in a deprived area of Merseyside echoes the struggles of many children today, with parents working multiple jobs to make ends meet. Despite their efforts, many families still find it challenging to provide basic necessities for their children. With a record number of children living in temporary accommodation, Shirley believes that every child should be entitled to at least one hot meal a day, even if it has to be provided through the school system. The rising levels of child poverty in the UK, up by 148% since 2017, highlight the urgent need for government intervention to support struggling families.
The difficulties faced by families living in poverty are widespread, including not having enough food to eat, sharing beds with family members, and even sleeping on the floor. Teachers are often the first to witness these struggles, with many schools now running food banks and providing essential items to students in need. Working families, especially those who earn just above the threshold for free school meals, are also impacted by food poverty. The closure of Sure Start centres has further disadvantaged struggling families, leading to more challenges for schools trying to support children in need.
Charities and advocates are calling for an ‘essentials guarantee’ for families on Universal Credit to ensure they have enough support to afford basic essentials like food, toiletries, and energy bills. The current system leaves many children without access to free school meals and forces families to rely on food banks and community support. The situation has become dire, with working parents, nurses, and teachers among those struggling to make ends meet despite their best efforts. Early intervention and government support are essential to address the root causes of child poverty and provide a safety net for families in need.
The alarming statistics reveal the harsh reality faced by millions of children in the UK, with cities like Nottingham and Birmingham experiencing the highest levels of child poverty. The cost of food has risen significantly, making it even more challenging for families to afford essentials. Schools are on the front lines, witnessing the impact of poverty on children’s lives and stepping in to provide support where they can. The ITV documentary sheds light on these issues and calls for urgent action to address child poverty in Britain. Through awareness, advocacy, and support, we can work towards ensuring that every child has access to the basic necessities they need to thrive.
