TWO thirds of teachers in England are worried that children in their school will go hungry during the summer holidays, according to new research.

A survey of more than 9,000 teachers by London food redistribution charity The Felix Project found concerns about the coming weeks because pupils’ parents or carers cannot afford to feed them.

Half of respondents said they were worried that up to three children in their class will go hungry, with the highest numbers in primary schools.

Felix reported an increase in demand for food supplies during school holidays.

Felix Project chief executive Charlotte Hill said: “For so many the holidays are a real struggle.

“With schools closed and free school meals unavailable, it is the parents and carers who must cover the cost of that meal.

“But for many, on already tight food budgets, the extra burden is just unmanageable.

“All this means kids will go hungry.”

The charity is launching an urgent summer appeal for high quality, surplus food that would otherwise go to waste.