'You have to say no': Families struggling with holiday food costs
Summary
Many families are facing higher food costs during school holidays in Northern Ireland, causing financial stress and worries about providing healthy meals for their children. A new bill in the Northern Ireland Assembly aims to bring back holiday food payments for children who qualify for free school meals, which were cut earlier this year.Key Facts
- During the Covid-19 pandemic, families of 90,000 children received £27 every two weeks to help with food costs during school holidays.
- The Department of Education stopped these payments in March 2023 due to budget issues.
- A new bill has been introduced to reinstate these holiday food payments, costing about £20 million a year.
- Children qualify for free school meals if their household income is below £15,390 a year.
- Food prices continue to rise, making it harder for families to buy fresh, healthy foods.
- Single mothers and women using support centers report counting every penny to manage food budgets.
- Lack of access to nutritious food can affect children’s growth, education, and mental health.
- Local women’s centers offer support to families struggling with financial and mental health challenges.
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