The number of UK children in food poverty has nearly doubled in the last year to almost 4 million. 

According to the Food Foundation thinktank, one in five (22%) of households reported skipping meals, going hungry or not eating for a whole day in January, up from 12% at the equivalent point in 2022.

After sustained price rises over the past year, grocery inflation currently stands at 17.1%, the highest level on record. 

An estimated 800,000 children in poverty do not qualify for free school meals. To be eligible households must have an annual income of under £7,400 before benefits and after tax. That threshold has been frozen since 2018, even though prices have risen since then.

Number of UK children in food poverty nearly doubles in a year to 4m | Food poverty | The Guardian

 The number of UK children in food poverty has nearly doubled in the last year to almost 4 million. 

According to the Food Foundation thinktank, one in five (22%) of households reported skipping meals, going hungry or not eating for a whole day in January, up from 12% at the equivalent point in 2022.

After sustained price rises over the past year, grocery inflation currently stands at 17.1%, the highest level on record. 

An estimated 800,000 children in poverty do not qualify for free school meals. To be eligible households must have an annual income of under £7,400 before benefits and after tax. That threshold has been frozen since 2018, even though prices have risen since then.

Number of UK children in food poverty nearly doubles in a year to 4m | Food poverty | The Guardian