Today’s Spending Review marked a crucial moment for the Government. It was a chance to invest in manifesto promises to raise the healthiest generation of children in history and end mass reliance on emergency food parcels.
Alarming Nutrition Survey Findings
The newly published National Diet and Nutrition Survey (2019–2023) revealed worrying trends. Less than 1 in 10 children aged 11 to 18 eat five portions of fruit and veg daily. Adults also eat fewer fruits and vegetables. These declines likely result from the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
Families Struggle to Access Healthy Food
At Alexandra Rose Charity, this data reflects the struggles families face every day. Many find it hard to access the healthy food they need to thrive.
Hope from New Government Funding
Today’s announcements offer hope. We welcome the creation of a new Crisis and Resilience Fund with £842 million per year to help families facing financial hardship. This is the first multi-year settlement of its kind. It shows a promising step toward reducing reliance on emergency food aid.
Promoting a Cash-First Approach
We urge the Government to make a cash-first approach a core part of the Fund. Our Rose Vouchers for Fruit & Veg projects prove that this approach gives families dignity and choice. It makes it easier for them to access healthy food that fits their needs and tastes.
Free School Meals Expansion
We also support the expansion of Free School Meals to all children in households receiving Universal Credit. This could lift 100,000 children out of poverty. However, we are disappointed by the lack of action to improve diets for younger children.
Missed Opportunities in Early Years Support
The Government failed to expand or increase the Healthy Start scheme. This was a missed chance to support children before they start school. In addition, no new commitments were made to extend funding for Family Hubs and the Start for Life programme beyond March 2026.
A Call for Action in the Child Poverty Strategy
As the Government prepares its Child Poverty Strategy this autumn, we urge it to close these gaps. Every child must have access to healthy food to get the best start in life regardless of who they are or where they live.
Response from Alexandra Rose Charity
Jonathan Pauling, CEO of Alexandra Rose Charity, responded to the Spending Review announcement:
“This Spending Review is a chance to reset how we support families during hardship and invest in prevention. If we want to tackle health inequalities seriously, improving access to fresh fruit and veg especially in the early years must be central.”