"We are the next generation of leaders": Ipswich pupils tackle food poverty

Why it matters: With school meals affecting nearly 3,500 families across Suffolk, the student-led initiative aims to create changes in how schools approach food sustainability and accessibility.

The big picture: The "ASSET Arrows", a group of young leaders drawn from all 14 ASSET Education schools across Suffolk, are leading efforts to transform school catering ahead of contract renewals in 2025. Their focus includes:

• Improving food and health education

• Tackling environmental challenges

• Making school meals more affordable

• Reducing food waste

By the numbers:

• 14 schools involved

• £500 granted to each school

• Nearly 3,500 families could be impacted

• 1 in 4 pupils entitled to free school meals still bring packed lunches

What they're saying: "It's really important we encourage leadership from a young age. Because we are the next generation of leaders. We're going to have to sort out the problems that this generation has left us," Lyla Fleming, 10, told attendees at the Food Summit.

Behind the scenes: The summit brought together teachers, parents, governors, and representatives from public health, NHS, local caterers, and nutritionists. To demonstrate the impact of food waste, attendees brought their lunch waste to create a pile on stage.

"It's a powerful image, seeing what one meal has generated. Across our schools, and over the year, that's very sobering," said Helen Fuller, Central Education Coordinator at ASSET Education.

What's next: The project has received funding from the Ormiston Trust, with each school getting £500 to lead community projects in the coming months. Schools will also explore additional fundraising opportunities to increase their impact.

Jackie Bircham, Deputy CEO at ASSET Education, highlighted the challenges ahead: "To make real changes we need to increase demand for school meals, and ensure they are affordable for parents. The cost of food is a huge challenge and as always doing the right thing costs more money."

The bottom line: The initiative forms part of the Ipswich Social Mobility Alliance's 25-year vision to improve outcomes in Ipswich, with young leaders taking direct action to address food poverty and sustainability in their communities.