THE number of children eligible for free school meals on the Isle of Wight has risen 63 per cent in the past four years.

The shocking figure has been revealed as the Isle of Wight Council announces a fourth food pantry will be set up on the Island — offering food at discounted rates to those who need it.

The matter of child poverty was highlighted by Cllr Michael Lilley at the council's cabinet last night (Thursday) — four years after his motion calling for the authority to reduce child poverty on the Island was passed.

Cllr Lilley called for the authority to reaffirm its commitment to reducing child poverty.

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He wanted specific targets set to tackle food insecurity here, after a recent report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation estimated 20 to 25 per cent of children are in poverty.

Cllr Debbie Andre, Isle of Wight Council's cabinet member for children's services, said a good indicator of child poverty is free school meal eligibility.

Between autumn 2018/19 and autumn 2022/23, the number of children eligible for income-related free school meals increased from 2,452 to 4,008.

Cllr Andre said the council would ensure future money would be targeted at the most vulnerable children

She highlighted existing schemes, run by the council and government, through connect4communities: Community pantries, established on the Island; free activity schemes over the school holidays — which have included food; and said they were accessed by nearly 900 children during the Christmas holidays.

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Cllr Andre insisted her group's 2023/24 budget proposals would prioritise vulnerable Islanders and continue to support connect4communities.

Cllr Lilley plans to revisit the impact of poverty when a report is published by Healthwatch Isle of Wight, investigating its links to physical and mental health.

In his role as Mayor of Ryde, Cllr Lilley's annual Pancake Day challenge would highlight poverty and food insecurity, as well as raising funds for food projects in Ryde.