One in four families with young children in food poverty: How to claim healthy start, free school meals and other help

Nearly one in four households with children under the age of five are struggling to afford enough food, according to new research.

The situation is even worse for some families.

Among single-parent households with children under five, one in two are experiencing food poverty, showed the study from the Education Policy Institute (EPI).

The think tank is calling on the Government to expand help for young children.

Here we round up the current support available if you are struggling to feed your family.

How to claim Healthy Start vouchers and feed small children

If you're finding it difficult to pay for groceries, there are several government benefits and schemes that could help including Healthy Start.

This scheme helps eligible low income families buy:

• Fruit and vegetables

• Milk

• Infant formula

• Pulses

You'll also receive free Healthy Start vitamins.

You may qualify if you're at least 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four and receive certain benefits, including Universal Credit, depending on your earnings.

The money is paid onto a Healthy Start card every four weeks, which can be used in many supermarkets and shops.

You can apply online if you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have at least one child under four-years-old.

Free school meals: Who can claim and who's eligible?

Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 at state schools in England are entitled to universal infant free school meals, regardless of their family's income.

Older children may also qualify for means-tested free school meals if their parents or carers receive certain benefits.

From September 2026 the rules are changing and ANYONE claiming Universal Credit will be able to claim free school meals for their children regardless of how much they earn.

Many councils also provide holiday food vouchers or Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programmes during the school holidays for eligible children. Check with your local authority on what's available.

Too Good To Go and Olio: Save money with 'Surprise Bags'

If you're trying to cut your food bill, it's worth downloading the Too Good To Go And Olio apps.

Too Good To Go lets you buy discounted "Surprise Bags" of surplus food from supermarkets, bakeries, cafés and restaurants that would otherwise go to waste.

You won't know exactly what's inside until you collect it, but you can expect to save around 70% on the value of what's included.

Aldi, Greggs. Starbucks, Toby Carvery, Asda, and Harvester are among the brands that distribute cut-price food through the app.

Olio allows neighbours and local businesses to give away food that would otherwise go to waste for free. You can often find fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, groceries and cupboard essentials listed by people in your local area.

Many supermarkets also work with volunteer Food Waste Heroes, who collect surplus food at the end of the day and share it through the app.

Check your supermarket's reduced section

Many supermarkets reduce the price of food nearing its use-by date, particularly in the evening.

It's worth getting to know what times food gets reduced - staff will often be able to tell you, so don't be afraid to ask.

Looking out for yellow sticker reductions can help cut your grocery bill.

Some supermarkets also have dedicated reduced-to-clear shelves for chilled, bakery and fresh produce.

Use a food bank if you're in crisis

Food banks can provide emergency food parcels if you're facing financial hardship.

Many also offer support with benefits, debt advice and budgeting, helping people access longer-term financial support as well as emergency food.

You can usually be referred by your local council, GP, Citizens Advice or your child's school.