There are now more than 4,000 school-based food banks in primary and secondary schools across England, which equates to one in every five schools running one. The study found that the school-based food banks are predominantly in deprived areas.
The report calls for greater awareness amongst policy makers and reform, including an overhaul of the social security system, to address the growing issue.
Lead author Dr William Baker, senior lecturer at the University of Bristol School of Education, said: “There are now, quite shockingly, more food banks inside schools than outside of schools in England. In recent years inflation has sent the cost of essentials spiralling, while other forms of state support have withered due to swingeing cutbacks.
“Schools are on the frontline in responding to food poverty and many are offering crisis services to struggling families. Teachers and support staff see the devastating effects of poverty and the cost-of-living crisis daily, so they have felt compelled to act.The result is a flourishing patchwork of food banks, pantries, and food clubs, which have become well-established, are often highly organised operations distributing more than just food and are an indictment of this country’s retreating welfare state."