More North-West parents struggling to provide food for children, survey suggests
Barnardo's has released new research
Last updated 12th Sep 2024
More than a quarter of parents in the North West with children aged 18 and under say they struggled to provide sufficient food for their children over the past 12 months due to the current cost of living situation.
This is according to new research published by Barnardo’s.
This is a rise of 6% since October 2022 when parents here were surveyed for Barnardo’s by YouGov, suggesting the impact of the cost-of-living crisis continues to hit families who are struggling to afford to keep the power on and the fridge stocked.
Last month’s survey also found that, in the last 12 months, 9% had made use of a local food bank as a direct result of the current cost of living situation. This has more than doubled since October 2022 (when the figure was 4%.)
Sonia is a mum of two boys from Carlisle and has struggled with food and energy bills.
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. Things like the internet are becoming a luxury for us. But when you have two kids, you need the internet on for them to do their homework and access education. It often feels like I have to choose between paying for the essentials and paying for things for the kids.
“I’ve had to rely on food banks, especially towards the end of the month when money is running low, the food bank is all I have. 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.
“I think the government needs to really recognise poverty for what it is. I know there are things in place like free school meals for some which is great, but people shouldn't have to be relying on food banks. Energy prices are just unbelievable. I think even though the government are trying, I don’t think the support in place is fitting with the degree of poverty people are experiencing.”
Barnardo’s North Regional Director, Nadine Good said:
"Thousands of parents across the North West 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. Children deserve immediate and long-term solutions to give them the best chance in life.”
A Government spokesperson said: "No child should be growing up hungry - that's why our ministerial task force is kickstarting work to develop an ambitious strategy to reduce child poverty and give children the best start in life.
"We have extended the Household Support Fund to protect the most vulnerable this winter and we will roll out free breakfast clubs in all primary schools while delivering on our plan to tackle inequality and make work pay."