Pupils from Melrose were shocked to discover families on their own doorstep are struggling to afford food, after initially thinking the statistics they were shown in class related to places in the developing world.
“We thought food poverty happened in poorer countries, not Guernsey,” said Ivy (9).
The Form 2 pupils from the Ladies’ College’s junior school had been shown headlines and statistics about food poverty, but initially assumed they were about places such as Asia or Africa.
It was only when their teacher, Mr Tom Lewis, revealed the figures related to Guernsey that they began to understand how close to home the problem was.
“I didn’t realise people here could be struggling like that,” said Ivy’s classmate Ellen (9).
The class is now exploring how it can raise awareness of food poverty and help people who are struggling.
Ivy, Ellen and Suri visited Mill Street Community Cafe with their classmates to learn about the support it offers and the people who rely on it.
“It’s important that people know it happens here, because you might not realise someone is having trouble getting food,” said Suri (9).
The girls are planning a PowerPoint presentation for pupils across Melrose and the wider Ladies’ College, hoping to spread the message beyond their classroom.
“If we tell people at school, they can tell other people, and then more people will know about it,” Suri said.
She added that the aim was to get the message across the island, so “the whole island could know”.
Seeing food poverty up close
David Savident, from Mill Street Community Cafe, said it kept meal prices low so as many people as possible could afford to eat there.
Those who cannot pay can also receive a free meal, thanks to donations from other diners.
Mr Savident said food poverty was not always visible, with some people struggling despite working.
He described people juggling two part-time jobs who could still find themselves unable to afford food after paying rent and other living costs.
Mr Savident also shared his own childhood experiences of food poverty in Guernsey, recalling how his family’s meals depended on his father’s fortunes as a fisherman.
When fishing was poor, there was less food to go around and the family had to make do with what they had.
He said the cafe also provides a welcoming place where people can discuss problems with employment, accommodation or other difficulties, and be signposted towards further support.
“I think it makes you realise that it could be someone you see every day and you might not know,” Ellen said.
Mr Savident said conversations often happened naturally over a meal, in a setting that could feel less intimidating than approaching a formal service.
He hoped the pupils would remember the people they had learned about and consider how they could help as they grew older.
“Everybody’s duty is to try and help them, in whatever way they can,” he said.
Turning concern into action
The visit forms part of Changemakers, one of four strands of Ladies’ College’s Pathways curriculum, which encourages pupils to investigate real-world issues and lead projects to make a difference.
Mr Lewis said it was important for pupils to understand that poverty and homelessness existed in Guernsey, even if they were not always easy to see.
Ideas discussed by the class include posters, awareness campaigns, fundraising and encouraging donations.
“We want people to understand what’s happening and maybe think about what they could do to help,” Suri added.
Mr Lewis said: “It is very much presenting the girls with a topic, something to get their teeth into, and saying what can you do about it, what ideas can you come up with, and empowering them to lead that.”
Helping islanders in need
The wider Changemakers project has also seen Melrose pupils aged 10 to 11 raise more than£350 for Guernsey Welfare by selling their own soft toys.
They also donated non-perishable food collected through Harvest donations.
Imogen (10) said: “It’s really sad to hear that so many people are coming in each week. I have enjoyed learning more about what is going on in Guernsey and am really happy to give the money from our toy sale to Guernsey Welfare to help.”
Guernsey Welfare has supported 716 families so far in 2026, including 66 in the week before the donation, and relies on around 80 volunteers.
Manager Simon Fairclough said demand was growing as more people struggled, but added that the island continued to show generosity.
The pupils are also planning a reverse advent calendar for December, with food items donated each day.
Pathways to adulthood
Pathways is the Ladies’ College’s curriculum designed to help pupils develop skills for an ever-changing world.
Changemakers encourages girls to explore issues they care about, consider different perspectives and lead projects that make a positive difference.
Pupils in Forms 2 and 3 are developing ideas to support islanders in need, with plans to continue their efforts through food donations in December.
