Home / Health / Gloucestershire Kids Face Hunger Amid Rising Food Costs
Gloucestershire Kids Face Hunger Amid Rising Food Costs
3 Aug
Summary
- Nearly 30% of deprived Gloucestershire pupils are obese by primary school end.
- Rising food costs mean families struggle to afford healthy meals weekly.
- A new strategy aims to tackle health inequalities in local children.
In Gloucestershire, a significant health disparity exists, with nearly 30% of pupils from deprived areas classified as obese or overweight upon completing primary school. This figure nearly doubles that of children from more affluent backgrounds, where only 14.8% face similar weight issues. The problem is amplified during summer holidays, a challenging period for children reliant on free school meals.
Rising living costs are placing immense pressure on families, with weekly food shops escalating to £160 for some. This financial strain forces many to opt for cheaper, less nutritious options. In response to these critical health inequalities, Gloucestershire County Council is developing a comprehensive Healthy Weight Strategy.
This strategy, set to be presented for approval in September or October 2026, aims to create a county where all residents have the opportunity to maintain a healthy weight. Various local charities and organizations are actively providing support through activities and healthy meal provisions to mitigate the impact of food poverty on children.
