10 Aug 2026
New analysis from the Early Years Observatory highlights the scale of food poverty among families with young children, with almost a quarter (24%) of households in England with a child under five experiencing food poverty.
Using the latest Department for Work and Pensions data, the analysis shows that families with pre-school children are more likely to experience food poverty than those with older children. The figures are higher still for some households, rising to 39% where there is a child under five and a working-age adult with a disability, and 51% for single-parent households with children under five.
For rural communities, these national findings are worth considering alongside the issue of hidden deprivation. Financial hardship can be less visible in rural areas, while higher costs associated with transport, energy and accessing essential services can place additional pressure on household budgets.
The Early Years Observatory also points to gaps in support for younger children. From September 2026, eligibility for free school meals will be extended to children whose parents or carers receive Universal Credit. However, provision for pre-school children varies depending on the type of early years setting they attend. The Observatory estimates that 290,000 children aged one to three whose parents receive Universal Credit could still miss out on free meals.
It is calling for wider access to free meals in registered early years settings, improvements to the Healthy Start Scheme and a broader review of financial support for families with young children.
