EMPOWER YOUR
SCHOOL
Every day, teachers witness the impact of food insecurity. Children arriving to school hungry, unable to concentrate, lacking energy, and falling behind through no fault of their own.
We know that many educators go above and beyond…quietly covering the cost of snacks, slipping extra food into lunchboxes, and doing whatever it takes to ensure their pupils don’t go without. But this burden shouldn’t fall on schools. And it certainly shouldn’t fall on teachers.
This isn’t sustainable. And it’s not fair.
That’s why the National School Pantry Network exists to provide practical, consistent support to schools that need it.
When children have access to good food, they are more focused, more confident, and more likely to succeed. A school pantry doesn’t just feed students, it empowers families, strengthens school communities, and removes a major barrier to learning.
If your school is interested in joining the National School Pantry Network and being part of a growing movement that’s putting dignity, equality, and opportunity on the table…one school at a time, complete the form below and join the network.
Gain access to free and up-to-date information, training and resources to support you to get the most out of family food support at your school.
Join the National School Pantry Network
Real Voices from the Classroom
Real stories from teachers tackling hunger at school.
Support our Families
We don’t get through a working week unless we support our families.
Long-term Poverty
Families are not living in short-term crisis anymore, they’re living in long-term poverty.
They Can’t Learn
If a child is coming in having not slept, having not eaten breakfast, they can’t learn!
Here are six key benefits for schools that join the National School Pantry Network:
Improved Attendance
When children know there’s food waiting for them at school, it gives them one more reason to show up and stay. Regular access to nutritious food helps reduce lateness and absenteeism, especially for families facing food insecurity. It sets a positive tone for the day and ensures pupils are ready to learn, not distracted by hunger.
Better Wellbeing
A full stomach supports a full life. Children who eat well are more energised, emotionally balanced, and better able to cope with everyday challenges. The school pantry supports mental and physical wellbeing, giving students the building blocks they need to grow in confidence and resilience.
Enhanced Behaviour
Hunger doesn’t just affect learning – it affects how children feel and behave. When food insecurity is removed, children are calmer, more settled, and better able to manage their emotions. Teachers consistently report fewer behaviour incidents and a more positive atmosphere in class when students have access to regular meals.
Parental Support
A school pantry isn’t just a food offer – it’s a bridge to stronger relationships with families. It shows that the school understands and supports the challenges parents may be facing, and helps create a sense of community, care, and trust. It’s a practical way to show empathy, not judgement.
EAL Family Support
For families new to the UK or still learning English, accessing support can be daunting. The school pantry becomes a safe, welcoming space where help is offered without paperwork or pressure. It allows staff to build rapport and offer further support, often with food being the first connection.
Healthy Eating
The pantry is more than a resource – it’s a starting point for broader learning. It encourages conversations about healthy eating, reducing waste, food systems, and sustainability. It also opens up cross-curricular opportunities for students to get involved, from cooking to climate action; creating a culture of care that spans the whole school.
How to join the National School Pantry Network and access funding in four simple steps:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I join the National School Pantry Network?
To join the National School Pantry Network (NSPN), simply complete and submit the Join the Network Form.
Once registered, your school will receive instant access to free, up-to-date information, training, and resources designed to help you develop effective family food support that provides relief, recovery, and resilience for families.
By joining the network, your school can also be considered for future NSPN funding opportunities and added to the funding waiting list.
Joining is free and is the first step towards becoming part of a national network working together to tackle child poverty through school-based family food support.
What are the benefits of joining the National School Pantry Network?
By joining the National School Pantry Network (NSPN), your school becomes part of a growing national movement tackling child poverty through practical, school-based food support.
The NSPN connects schools, communities, and partners to share knowledge, resources, and proven approaches that make a real difference to families.
As a member, you will receive:
- Instant access to information videos, case studies, and practical guidance
- Lunch and Learn sessions to build confidence and share ideas
- Bespoke support from the Rethink Food team
- Opportunities to learn from other schools and develop effective family food support
- Access to tools and resources that help strengthen and sustain your provision
Whether you are just starting out or looking to develop existing support, NSPN helps schools provide relief, recovery, and resilience for families.
Together, we are turning support into stability and working collectively to tackle child poverty.
How much funding will the school receive?
Schools will receive up to a total of £3,900 for the academic year – £100 per week paid termly. This will be confirmed in the Funding Agreement.
How will schools be paid the funding?
Schools will Invoice Rethink Food termly for the agreed sum outlined in the Funding Agreement – referenced National School Pantry Network.
How can the school spend the funding?
The funding is intended to support the school’s efforts to provide food to families beyond the school day, think tea-time staples! This funding can be used to enhance existing initiatives or to start something new that may:
- Increases access to healthy, nutritious food
- Reduces hunger and improves well-being
- Supports other school initiatives such as improving attendance
- Engages families and removes barriers to learning
Are there any guidelines for food purchases?
Guidelines for Food Purchases:
- Food must be purchased via an online supermarket.
- Only purchase items that do not require refrigeration or freezing to maintain safety and longevity. This includes tinned, dried, and long-life products that can be safely stored at room temperature.
- Focus on store cupboard staples (e.g., tinned proteins, pulses, dried pasta and rice, bread, cereals, tinned vegetables and fruits, cooking oils and seasonings).
- While the primary focus is on pantry staples, schools may allocate a portion of the budget for fresh produce with a longer shelf life, such as onions, potatoes, carrots, apples, and oranges.
- Schools are encouraged to consider the cultural diversity of their community when selecting foods. Ensure a variety of staples that cater to different dietary preferences and cultural needs (e.g., rice, lentils, flatbreads, beans).
- Avoid purchasing highly processed snacks, sugary drinks, or items with low nutritional value. Focus on core ingredients that can form the basis of balanced meals.
Families must be offered choice in the food they select. This can be through:
- Creating their own shopping lists
- Selecting items from a school pantry
- Choosing ingredients to add to shared meals at a supper club
Suggested Delivery Models:
Model 1: Family Staples
Support families one-on-one in school to create shopping lists, then place a collective order for collection.
Model 2: School Pantry
Set up a pantry with staple items reflecting the needs of your families and invite them to select a set number of items.
Model 3: Supper Club
Host after-school sessions where families cook a meal together using basic ingredients and equipment, they can then add own choice of extras to such as vegetables, pulses, herbs and spices.
Is there any training for school staff?
Rethink Food provides free supportive training for school staff. These are in the form of short films, case studies and guides on how to get the best out of the National School Pantry Network.
Are there any classroom resources?
Schools will have access to the Rethink Food learning content, which supports the broader context of food, sustainability and health education.
What does the school need to report back to Rethink Food?
The School will provide impact and usage data at the end of each academic term. This report must include, but is not limited to:
- Number of families and children supported.
- Qualitative and/or quantitative impact on children and parent/carers.
- Types of food purchased to inform nutritional analysis.