A Wirral MP has backed calls for urgent action from the Government to tackle child food insecurity.

The UK's public health leaders have written to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak outlining three key actions to tackle child food poverty and help support a healthy population and productive economy.

The letter, headed by the Faculty of Public Health, the Association of Directors of Public Health, the Royal Society for Public Health, and the School and Public Health Nurses Association, has received widespread support from Parliamentarians and third-sector organisations.

Birkenhead MP Mick Whitley is among more than 30 MPs and 20 members of the House of Lords, who have signed the letter, which calls on the Mr Sunak to support the health and development of children by expanding access to free school meals, the National School Breakfast Programme and the Healthy Start scheme.

Wirral Globe: Mick Whitley MPMick Whitley MP (Image: Newsquest)

In September of 2022, more than a quarter of households with children experienced food insecurity, and the current cost-of-living crisis will increase this number.

Childhood food insecurity contributes to increased anxiety, poor mental health, poor social and emotional development, and a reduced level of achievement in school.

The 100+ signatories of the letter make three key asks of Government to tackle this crisis:

  • Expand access to Free School Meals for all children in households receiving Universal Credit, removing the £7,400 income cap.
  • Increase funding to the National School Breakfast Programme to expand delivery initially from 2,500 schools to 5,000, with a long-term plan to provide coverage to a higher percentage of disadvantaged pupils.
  • Promote access to the Healthy Start scheme, and expand access to all families with young children who receive Universal Credit.

Mick Whitley MP said, "To deliver on these asks, I, along with the other signatories, recommend the creation of new targeted levies on unhealthy food and drink, such as an expansion of the proven and effective Sugar Drinks Industry Levy, or for government to adopt the National Food Strategy recommendation of a new salt and sugar levy.

"This is a solution that would generate revenue and improve children’s diets and physical health now and into the future."

Professor Kevin Fenton CBE, President of the Faculty of Public Health said: "As the cost-of-living crisis bites, many families across the UK are currently struggling with the reality of food poverty, unable to meet even their most basic needs.

"Initiatives such as Free School Meals, the National School Breakfast Programme, and the Healthy Start scheme are a vital lifeline, but with too many children and families unable to access these services Government is missing an opportunity to firmly address the reality and impacts of child food poverty, which impairs the lives and life chances of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

"To protect and improve the health of disadvantaged communities across the UK, and support a healthy, productive population, we call upon Government to fully implement our recommendations to expand access to these vital services for those who need them most."