Coronavirus: Schools and charities working to keep children fed

In March 2020 we reported on the impact of closing schools on families whose children are entitled to free school meals.

Almost 1.3 million children, about 15% of those in England's state schools, receive free school meals because they come from low income families.

Get the data

• Department for Education: Schools, pupils and their characteristics: January 2019

Quotes and interviews

• Andrew Forsey, of charity Feeding Britain
• Angie Comerford, who works at Hebburn Helps
• Steve Murrells, chief executive, Co-op Academy schools
• Food charity Fareshare
• Prime Minister Boris Johnson

Visualisation

• Bar chart: Highest rates of children on free school meals by authority