Landmark strategy could could lift 550,000 children out of poverty

Food Foundation Executive Director Anna Taylor shares her thoughts on the government's landmark Child Poverty Strategy

The Food Foundation welcomes the launch of the government's new Child Poverty Strategy, which minister say will lift 550,000 children out of poverty by 2030.

Measures includes support for working families to stop children growing up in B&Bs, expanding childcare for families on Universal Credit and helping parents save up to £500 on baby formula.

Families struggling with the cost of living will also benefit from wider support announced at budget including £150 off energy bills, increasing the living wage by £900 a year and removal of two-child limit.

Reacting to the announcement, Food Foundation Executive Director Anna Taylor said: "The Government’s Child Poverty Strategy represents real progress, and we commend the significant steps taken - particularly the landmark changes to Free School Meals and the two-child limit.

"These commitments show genuine ambition and lay the groundwork for lasting improvements to children’s lives. With 15% of households with children currently experiencing food insecurity, these measures have the potential to make a real difference for hundreds of thousands of families.

"But to truly end child food insecurity, this must be the start, not the finish. We need to build on this momentum - and move at pace - so every child has the food and nutrition they need to thrive.

"For example, stronger school food standards must be in place by the September 2026 expansion of Free School Meals to ensure this major investment delivers maximum impact and that children receive quality meals from day one.

"It’s positive that the Government recognises this strategy as the beginning of a longer journey, with plans for monitoring and evaluation. Now, we must build on this solid foundation to deliver the change children deserve."

Meanwhile, some campaigners are calling for young people to have more say in the decision-making process, including Food Ambassador Dev Sharma who appeared live on BBC News this morning.