City Academy in Birmingham city centre operates a Free Friday Food Market to provide weekend food supplies to pupils and homeless individuals, addressing child poverty in the area. Executive headteacher Raj Mann, who experienced poverty as a child himself, launched the initiative after recognizing that many students rely on school dinners as their only hot meal of the day. Over 65% of students at the school receive pupil premiums.
Headteacher's Personal Connection
Raj Mann, who became a headteacher at age 39, grew up in a family that was homeless for over a year after his parents emigrated from India. They eventually found accommodation in Aston. Mann says he sees his own story reflected in the lives of his disadvantaged pupils, and it breaks his heart to know some children go to bed hungry on weekends.
How the Food Market Works
Every Friday afternoon, the school distributes food donated by Mr Singhs Pizzas and Fair Share Midlands. Student volunteers help prepare and distribute the food, cutting pizzas into quarters to make them stretch further. Mann deliberately calls it a food market rather than a food bank to reduce stigma, and local rough sleepers are welcome to queue alongside pupils, giving students insight into homelessness.
Wider Support for Families
Beyond food aid, Mann has established mentoring programmes and helps families access free bus passes and the school's washing machine to address broader impacts of poverty. The initiative has become a vital community resource in Birmingham city centre.
