Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
School pupils to investigate ways of tackling food poverty at Leeds event
Around 45 pupils in years eight and nine at schools within the Brigshaw Co-operative Trust, spanning Leeds and Castleford, will take part in debate and discussion whilst exploring the latest research findings and carrying out their own research into children and young people’s experiences of food insecurity.
Dr Jo Pike, Senior Lecturer in Childhood Studies in the Carnegie School of Education at Leeds Beckett University, explained: “Household food insecurity is increasing in the UK and yet little is known about how it affects children and young people. The rising use of food banks has brought food poverty and food insecurity to the top of the policy agenda. However, attempts to address the issues rarely acknowledge children and young people's experiences, or their views on food insecurity.
“Our workshop aims to provide a unique opportunity for high school students to explore the latest research and to participate in debate and discussion, supported by hands-on activities.”
Students will start with a fact-finding exercise, making use of the latest research findings at Leeds Beckett, and take part in discussions with university academics and Lindsay Graham, School Food and Health Policy Adviser and chair of a parliamentary task group on holiday hunger. The pupils will then carry out their own research before presenting their findings and identifying priorities for tackling food insecurity.
The event is taking place at Leeds Beckett’s Headingley Campus as part of the 15th annual Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Festival of Social Science. The Festival takes place from 4-11 November, with over 300 free events across the UK. Its aim is to promote awareness of social science research by enabling scientists to engage with the public through debates, talks, workshops, seminars, film screenings, theatre, exhibitions and more.