Child food poverty is at a record high

Food is key to a child’s health. Without proper nutrition, children can face severe, irreversible changes in development: weak immune systems, stunted growth, and a higher risk of heart disease. Hunger affects mental health, concentration at school and chances later in life. 40% of London children are food insecure. Malnutrition is growing, and Victorian diseases like scurvy and rickets are returning. If we don’t act, this crisis will have devastating consequences for a generation’s future. Find out more about the value of food redistribution to people – especially children – in our latest Value to People Report.

How City Harvest supports London children

City Harvest provides nourishing food to children facing hunger and malnutrition. We rescue food that would otherwise go to waste and deliver it, for free, to local children’s organisations across London. If we reach our campaign target, we can provide an extra 600,000 meals to 40,000 children across London. Over 45% of the food is fresh fruit and vegetables, improving children’s nutrition, mental and physical development, and opportunities later in life. Please help us improve a child’s future by doubling your donation between 2-9 December. 

These two south London children charities support families facing food insecurity

Stockwell Children’s Centre

• • Antenatal and postnatal care.
  • Baby clinics and vaccination clinics.
  • Breastfeeding and infant feeding support groups.
  • Support around children’s diet and nutrition (e.g., HENRY workshops).
  • Speech and language therapy sessions (Chattertime).

Parent and Child Activities:

• • Various play sessions (Stay and Play, Baby Play, Toddler Play, Outdoor Play).
  • Specialist groups for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), such as Sensory Sensations.
  • Parenting courses and workshops (e.g., Circle of Security, Being a Parent).
  • Baby yoga.

Family Support & Advice:

• • • One-to-one casework support from Better Start workers.
    • Citizens’ Advice Bureau appointments for housing or benefits issues.
    • Employment and training support, including help with CVs and ESOL classes.
    • Information on accessing childcare.
    • Referrals for Rose Vouchers (for fresh fruit and vegetables) and food banks for eligible families. 

Families wishing to use the services need to register with Lambeth’s Better Start programme.

“This food means a massive deal. We have lots of families at the children’s centre who are in different situations. With the cost-of-living crisis, it’s been a lifeline. We get a variety of fruit, veg, things that they just can’t afford to buy anymore.” 

STORM Empowerment

S.T.O.R.M. Empowerment (Support, Trust, Opportunity, Rebuilding, and Motivation) is a Battersea-based charity that empowers the community. The charity was originally founded to support especially single mothers, domestic violence survivors, and young people. Established in 2004, it addresses social issues like poverty, unemployment, and youth crime through a wide range of services, including counselling, education, employment support, and creative workshops. The organisation is committed to helping individuals and families thrive and reach their full potential via holistic support and community-enriching initiatives.

STORM’s key services include:

• Youth empowerment: Provides workshops, training, music, and creative arts to steer young people away from crime and towards positive futures.
• Domestic abuse support: Offers counselling, therapy, and a refuge for survivors and their families, founded by a survivor of domestic violence.
• Employment and education: Provides CV help, job application support, and free courses to gain qualifications and employment.
• Community well-being: Runs social events, a nursery, a befriending group, and a weekly lunch group for seniors.
• Holistic support: Offers a variety of support services, from free counselling to help with specific needs like SEN learners and those from diverse backgrounds.
• Community Events: STORM organises events like a ‘Tea Party Funday’ to celebrate local history and to bring people together. 

Focus areas:

• Empowering individuals: The core aim is to help people and families overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.
• Supporting specific groups: Has a particular focus on helping single mothers, members of the Black Ethnic Minority, and other hard-to-engage groups.
• Addressing social issues: Aims to tackle social issues such as poverty – including food poverty – long-term unemployment, and youth crime in Battersea and surrounding boroughs.

“It would be great if we could eradicate this, and families can go to the shop instead of food banks, and be on better incomes. I would love for children not to get used to this.”