Tag: Student support

Following recent expansion phases in 2025, the number of pupils being offered free school meals in Scotland has risen to over 360,000. The total number of children in Scotland get free school meals under a combined system of universal entitlement and targeted support for low-income families.

Recent studies from various institutions show that the prevalence of food insecurity among college students can range widely, with some surveys indicating that over 50% of students experience some form of food insecurity. This alarming issue, where students lack consistent access to affordable, nutritious food, has a serious negative impact on their academic success, physical health, and mental well-being.

According to a 2021 study, food insecurity during college is a barrier to higher degree attainment, especially for first-generation students. The inability to consistently access sufficient, nutritious food creates a cascade of challenges that significantly contribute to a lower graduation rate among affected college students. This issue, often hidden by shame and stigma, erodes academic performance and overall well-being, threatening a student's educational trajectory.