In January 2023, the Food Foundation estimated that 24% of UK households with children were living in food insecurity. This staggering figure brings to light issues affecting their life chances. We’ll hear about how IOE research is raising awareness and informing policies and efforts in the midst of a new school and academic year now underway, another challenging winter and a general election in 2024. This season's guests: Dr Jake Anders - the links between food poverty and hunger with academic attainment Professor Alice Bradbury - educational responses to the cost of living crisis and in particular how schools are doubling up as food banks for their local communities Professor Gary McCulloch - the history of school meal provision and nutritional standards. More episodes of Research for the Real World: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/researchfortherealworld⁠⁠ The IOE Podcast: ⁠https://bit.ly/ioepodcast --- Audio snippets featured: Children’s health chief calls for free school meals for all to end ‘disturbing’ food poverty - The Independent Rishi Sunak rejects Marcus Rashford’s call for free school meals extension - The Indepdendent Sadiq Khan says making free school meals programme permanent is his ‘aspiration’ - London Evening Standard 'Inside the Factory', Series 7: Rice Pudding - BBC Two