Early Years Alliance Calls for Nutritional Support as Report Highlights Rising Childhood Hunger
London, UK - A new report from the Cross-Party Group on A Fit and Healthy Childhood has revealed a growing crisis in early years nutrition, prompting the Early years Alliance to call for increased government funding to ensure young children have access to healthy meals and snacks.
Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, expressed deep concern over the findings, stating that it is becoming “increasingly commonplace” for children to arrive at early years settings hungry. He emphasized the critical link between nutrition and early childhood development.
“Access to healthy and nutritious meals and snacks is vital for young children’s development,” Leitch said. “This report underscores a worrying trend that demands immediate attention.”
The Alliance CEO questioned the disparity in government support for school-aged children versus those in early years care.With recent expansions to free school meal eligibility, the introduction of free breakfast clubs, and global free school meals already in place for Reception, Year 1, and Year 2, leitch argued that the same priority should be given to younger children.
“If the government is truly committed to giving all children the best start in life,it must address the issue of hunger in early years settings,” Leitch asserted.”no child should be expected to learn while hungry, especially during these crucial developmental years.”
The Early Years Alliance is specifically urging the government to allocate additional funding to early years providers to cover the cost of meals and snacks, prioritizing children who would qualify for free school meals.The institution believes this investment would substantially contribute to the long-term health and wellbeing of the nation’s youngest citizens.
The full report from the Cross-Party Group on A Fit and Healthy Childhood can be found here: https://nurserykitchen.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Early-Years-Nutrition_Setting-The-Standards-For-Change.pdf
