Half of the children needing help from food banks last summer were in primary school and more than a quarter were under the age of five, according to research.
The UK’s biggest food bank network, the Trussell Trust, has revealed that 67,500 three-day emergency food packages went to children in July and August 2016 – 4,000 more than in the preceding two months.
The research shows that 47% of the children receiving supplies from food banks were aged 5-11, while 27% were under five and a fifth were aged 12-16.
Samantha Stapley, operations manager for England at the Trussell Trust, said the statistics highlighted “just how close to crisis many families are”.
The Rt Rev the Lord Bishop of Truro, Tim Thornton, described the figures as shocking, adding: “That so many primary-age children are going without food in our country is of great concern.
Stapley said food banks were doing more than ever before, but voluntary organisations “alone cannot stop primary school children facing hunger”. She called for a long-term coordinated solution to help keep families from “falling into crisis”.
The Trussell Trust said the proportion of primary school children helped by food banks was consistently high all year round, with 46% of the children referred in the year to March aged between five and 11.
The charity said it was offering extra help to families this summer, with additional services including a holiday club. Trained volunteers will talk to parents to understand why they are struggling and offer support.
Hussain added that wage stagnation and cuts to benefits were behind the stark figures. “We need to make sure a basic level of benefits is there to meet the needs of children – that is a chronic issue that needs tackling,” he said.
A government spokesman said: “Record numbers of people are now in work and we’re helping millions of households meet the everyday cost of living and keep more of what they earn.
“We’ve doubled free childcare to help parents into work, and continue to spend over £90bn a year on support for those who need it, including those who are bringing up a family or on a low income.