Children are arriving at school hungry because their parents cannot afford food for them, a study of London families revealed.
Three girls aged 11 were so hungry that they “felt sick” and their “bellies hurt”, with one saying she just wanted to sleep to forget about the pangs, London Evening Standard reported.
The study by Kids Company and the University of Reading surveyed 58 families from Lambeth who use the charity’s Street Level Centre in Camberwell, which provides 3,000 meals every week.
"I have seen a lack of food drive a child into prostitution. Children left without food is a crime, whichever way you look at it. Food poverty is an assault on their development and dignity and there is absolutely no excuse for it," Camila Batmanghelidjh, founder of Kids Company, said.
Ursula Johnston, of Jubilee School in Lambeth, said as winter approached, London’s “working poor” would be among the worst hit as they struggle with “demands of what bills to prioritize”.
Kids Company are asking for £2 donations towards their Plate Pledge to fight childhood hunger.