Lunch debt can be an increased problem in schools where school meals are compulsory. Hunger can be hidden in different ways in schools where school meals aren’t compulsory. More families not eligible for FSM are unable to find the money to pay their lunch fees. It is obviously important to make sure that children are in no way stigmatised if their family is struggling to pay.
Lunch debt in schools is increasing.
The Sutton Trust’s Cost of Living research Dec 22 shows that increases in need have been widely noticed across the Yorkshire and Humber region.
“During this autumn term [2022], have you noticed any of the following increases amongst your pupils?”
Lunch debt can be an increased problem in schools where school meals are compulsory. Hunger can be hidden in different ways in schools where school meals aren’t compulsory. More families not eligible for FSM are unable to find the money to pay their lunch fees. It is obviously important to make sure that children are in no way stigmatised if their family is struggling to pay.
It is especially important to know which families have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) and cannot claim benefits, rent support or may not be able to afford health services. In October 22 the government permanently extended the availability of FSM to families with NRPF - but be aware it is a different form and process to access them. See: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools-and-local-authorities/providing-free-school-meals-to-families-with-no-recourse-to-public-funds-nrpf)
With more families needing and asking for additional support from schools here is a list of support services which schools could utilise. Many services are overwhelmed with requests for support so expect to be on hold for some time or to be signposted elsewhere if they cannot offer what is needed.
Household Support Fund (council financial help with food and bills - will need a bank statement, suitable for NRPF) https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/cost-of-living/apply-household-support-fund
Note: a new budget for this fund has recently been announced.
Sheffield Money Support Guide - https://sheffieldmoneysupport.co.uk/
Benefits Checker to see if a family is eligible for more benefits, even if working https://www.entitledto.co.uk/
Citizens Advice Bureau (and referrals to Foodbanks) - Advice Line 0808 278 7820
Somali Line 0114 700 6896
Urdu/Punjabi Line 0114 700 6881
Arabic Line 0114 700 2345
Universal Credit helpline: 0800 328 5644
Local Assistance Scheme (council independence and crisis grants, will need a bank statement) https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/benefits/local-assistance-scheme
Step Change is a debt management charity.
The Link Community Hub has links to a range of community support services.
Lots of amazing work to support families is happening in schools – some examples below from primary schools in locality C…
o setting up a community fridge to redistribute surplus food.
More info here: https://www.hubbub.org.uk/the-community-fridge
o community cooking/ family feast to relieve the pressure on families – using the school kitchen after lunch to prepare an evening meal. A group of volunteers get a food hygiene certificate and then can cook and shared a meal with and surplus food redistributed at the end of the meal.
o free toast/ fruit on arrival – often run by staff volunteers at the start of the day. If children and families know they have breakfast available at school this has an impact.
Arbourthorne Community Primary School can share all three of these initiatives. They have a thriving community fridge if anyone wants to visit - all run by volunteers and distributing over 140 bags of quality supermarket surplus food to families every week.
This information has been collated with support from Arbourthorne Community Primary School and colleagues from Family Voice Sheffield (info@familyvoicesheffield.org), who work with women who have limited English and face multiple barriers to accessing services in Nether Edge, Lowfield or Sharrow.