Nursery World - Why food support should start at school

Many children are not receiving the correct nutrition, as a direct result of household poverty, and school food packages play a key role in supporting a child’s health, explains Sajad Mahmood, chief executive of the international food charity Right.

Sajad Mahmood, chief executive of Right - an international food charity

In 2021, food insecurity in children rose by 27 per cent, this comes despite governments and non-profit organisations working tirelessly to ensure food is treated as a human right, and not a luxury.

Lack of nutritious food can lead to poor health at any age but experiencing food insecurity and malnourishment in primitive years can be catastrophic for a child’s health, wellbeing, and future prospects.

According to the World Health Organisation, 232.9 million children under the age of five are estimated to experience severe health conditions as a result of malnourishment.

The crucial role nutritious food plays in a child’s development is reinforced further when considering concentration and learning at school, making school meal support, crucial for child development and health.

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