We’re delighted to celebrate Grace Podmore Baker, our PhD student working in partnership with The Hubb Foundation, whose first academic paper has just been published by Cambridge University Press, in the Journal of Nutritional Science.
Grace began her PhD in 2023 with Staffordshire University, exploring the impact of The Hubb Foundation’s work on children and families across Stoke-on-Trent. Through her research interviewing teachers, analysing data, and listening to parents and children, she has seen firsthand the incredible difference that safe, enriching, and nourishing holiday provision makes for local communities.
Her first published paper, titled “A scoping review of interventions aiming to improve food security for low-income families with school aged children outside of school hours,” takes a global look at how programmes from breakfast and after school clubs to holiday schemes such as the UK’s HAF Programme support children from lower income backgrounds.
Key Insights from Grace’s Research
The study analysed 94 research papers (mostly from the UK, US, and Australia) finding consistent evidence that these types of clubs and programmes result in powerful outcomes such as:
- Improved social wellbeing for both children and families
- Better access to nutritious food and food education
- Enhanced family finances and reduced food insecurity
- Opportunities for learning and physical activity outside the school term
The review also found that while most programmes successfully tackle food insecurity, there’s still a need for further research on their long term academic and health impacts.
| “We should have a future where families no longer have to worry about the challenges which occur outside of school hours when finances are limited. With the support of the Hubb Foundation and my PhD supervisors (Dr Naomi Ellis, Professor Gillian Forrester and Professor Christopher Gidlow), this work represents a small but meaningful move towards that vision, and I’m proud to be part of it” Grace Podmore Baker |
We couldn’t be prouder of Grace. Her dedicated work reinforces the importance of research and continued investment in programmes like those run by our charity. Her contribution to this vital area of research directly supports and reflects the mission and values of The Hubb Foundation.
You can read Grace’s paper in full here:
Published online by Cambridge University Press on 29 October 2025 in the Journal of Nutritional Science – the journal focuses on all areas of nutrition, from public health and healthy eating to food science and wellbeing. Because it’s open access, anyone can read the research online for free, helping important findings like Grace’s reach communities, professionals, and policymakers everywhere.
Featured post image: Grace Podmore Baker – Published Paper
