Education chiefs are considering extending free school meals outside of term time to tackle food poverty.

The move was confirmed as schoolchildren returned to classes from their summer holidays.

A campaigner with experience of working at the island’s Foodbank has raised the issue with politicians.

Gareth Price said: ’Child poverty doesn’t disappear when it comes to the school breaks.’

He says more should be done to address the issue.

He believes that the same amount of effort made by the government to tackle obesity in young people should be placed on solving food poverty.

’I’m putting together a strategy for [Policy and Reform Minister] Chris Thomas to give an idea of what can be done and I’m hoping to start a discussion in the right parts of government to tackle this directly,’ he said.

’[The government has] known of this problem for some years. Clearly whatever [it has] been doing isn’t working.’

When asked whether he thought continuing free school meals during the holidays would be the right solution, he replied: ’Absolutely. Why shouldn’t they continue it?

The most recent figure taken on April 18 shows that 1,966 pupils get free school meals, the Department of Education, Sports and Culture (DESC) said.

It was also announced in Tynwald this year that the demand on food banks had increased by 28% over the 2017 school holidays.

The Foodbank issued an appeal for more donations in July, saying it expected demand to ’expand exponentially’.

Contacting MHKs and government ministers via email, Mr Price asked what was being done over ’the 105 days of holidays, when the guarantee of at least one good meal per day has been removed?’.

Education Minister Graham Cregeen MHK replied: ’There is currently a cross-government working party looking into hunger and poverty and as part of that remit there will be consideration of extending free school meals provision through the school holidays.’

Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper, who is a member of the DESC, said: ’Unfortunately that’s a question for Treasury as they are the ones that administer the benefit system. DESC can only provide free school meals during the school terms. The department doesn’t have the remit to provide benefits or other types of support.

’I am aware that Treasury are looking at changes to the system to try and address the issue of holiday hunger but I don’t have any information on exactly what they are proposing.’

Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas said: ’Food poverty, including for children outside term time, is an issue which is acknowledged and Cabinet Office, Treasury and third sector bodies have been working to better understand its scale, impact and to hone the policy response.

’A report with recommendations is being finalised at the moment. However the issue is complex, and the response will have to come from all parts of government and be long term. There is no quick fix.’

Mr Price, who lives in Douglas, told the Manx Independent that his concerns were raised after reading about Tynwald committing £3.8million towards the ’active travel strategy’ in the Isle of Man Courier on August 17.

It is hoped that the initiative, which aims to increase the number of people who walk, cycle or jog for everyday journeys, will help to tackle obesity here.

Mr Price asked: ’Why is a similar amount not being allocated towards child poverty?

’If one was to examine the other end of the food spectrum, food poverty, you will discover that it creates as many long-term health issues as obesity.

’Like obesity, food poverty among our schoolchildren needs a co-ordinated approach by the government, private sector and the charities.

’However, recognition and a conversation needs to bring this matter to the fore of the relevant minds.’

Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan told the Manx Independent: ’Government is fully aware of the cost of living challenges facing families and is continuing to develop policies that support the low paid and families on low incomes.

’In the past two budgets we have significantly raised personal allowances, increased Child Benefit and provided more support through benefits such as Employed Person’s Allowance, income support and disability allowances.

’Notwithstanding these efforts, I and others recognise that we need to work harder to both evidence need and deliver support, particularly where it involves children.

’I continue to support the work of the Cabinet Office in gathering the evidence and I am confident that we can continue to deliver enhanced outcomes for our island community.’

Manx Independent

comment, page 18