One in five parents in the South West struggling to afford food
Families are struggling to keep the power on and the fridge stocked
More than one in five parents in the South West have struggled to provide enough food for their children over the last 12 months.
That's according to research from the charity Barnardo's who work to change childhoods and lives, so that children, young people, and families are safe, happy, healthy, and hopeful.
The data also highlights that 8% of parents nationally have used a food bank as a direct result of the current cost of living situation with around 29% in the South West having to reduce spending on household energy bills to save money.
With nearly half of those surveyed having to cut back on food costs, Barnardo’s estimates there could be around 3.4 million children whose parents have struggled to provide sufficient food for them over the past 12 months.
Barnardo’s chief executive Lynn Perry said: "Millions of parents up and down the country are struggling to feed their children – with even more families struggling now than two years ago.
"The cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, with families facing a desperate struggle to keep the power on and the fridge stocked this winter.
“Last month, we welcomed the government’s announcement of a Child Poverty Taskforce and stand ready to work with ministers to find lasting solutions. But families can’t wait any longer for support.
"We urge the government to use next month’s Autumn Budget to take bold steps – including a commitment to end the unfair two-child limit on benefits.
“Around nine children in every classroom across the UK could be about to spend the winter feeling cold, hungry and left out.
"That cannot be right."
Sarah Crawley, Director of Barnardo’s South West, said: “Our family workers see the impact every day when they go into homes and find cold, hungry children with worsening mental health and increasing anxiety. All of it impacts on children’s life chances."
Bernardo's refer to the situation as a "child poverty emergency" and are sharing some of the stories of those struggling, including Sonia Gowland, a mum of two boys.
She said: “At one point, we didn't have the internet turned on for three weeks because I just couldn't afford to pay the bill. But when you have two kids in secondary school, you need the internet on for them to do their homework and access education.
“I’ve had to rely on food banks, especially towards the end of the month when money is running low.
"The kids go to their dad’s house on the weekends towards the end of the month because I’m just not able to afford to feed them. That can feel embarrassing for me, but it’s the truth.”
Alongside this warning, the charity is asking for more donations so they can continue to offer people support.
You can find out more about their work on the Bernardo's website here.