16,000 Cornwall Children Eligible for Free School Meals as Charity Issues Volunteer Plea

Thousands of children across Cornwall are going to school hungry, and a national charity is asking local people to give up their time to help.

The local picture

The Children’s Society says 16,372 children in Cornwall are eligible for free school meals, which the charity calls a stark reminder that getting by is a daily struggle for many families in the county. Nationally, it puts the number of children living in poverty at 4.5 million, describing children going to school hungry, wearing worn-out uniforms and unable to join in with friends.

The charity’s appeal lands during Volunteers’ Week, which runs from 1 to 7 June.

What the charity wants

In a message marking the week, The Children’s Society’s chief executive Mark Russell paid tribute to people in Cornwall already giving their time, through befriending, community events, charity shops and acting as local ambassadors.

“To every volunteer in Cornwall: Thank you. Your time and commitment make our work possible,” he said.

But the charity says it needs more people to step forward, whether that means a few hours in one of its shops, supporting a young person directly, or speaking up as an ambassador.

Anyone who wants to get involved can visit childrenssociety.org.uk/volunteer or call 0300 303 7000.

A changing picture in Cornwall

The appeal comes as Cornwall Council prepares to become one of the first local authorities in the country to enrol eligible children for free school meals automatically. From September 2026, families who qualify will no longer need to apply.

The council believes as many as 1,800 children in Cornwall are currently missing out on meals they are entitled to. It estimates the change could put up to £3 million back into family budgets and the county’s schools each year.