REVEALED: Over 40% of Irish parents skip meals to feed their children
Survey found that over 40% of parents are cutting down on food themselves to 'make ends meet'
Over 40% of parents are reportedly skipping meals to feed their children in Ireland - a worrying rise of 12%.
The 12% rise in one year means that 41% of parents are now skipping meals or cutting their portion sizes to feed their children, instead of themselves.
A survey of 1,000 parents, conducted by children’s charity Barnardos and food retailer Aldi, found that the rising figure is really ‘stark’ and has been described as “quite heartbreaking”.
“The findings are really stark and are heartbreaking, to think that in Ireland today, where we are a wealthy country, that there are so many parents struggling to put food on the table for their children,” said Barnardos CEO, Suzanne Connelly.
“25% of parents have cut back on medical bills. Most parents out there today are worried about the cost of food and how to make ends meet in their home.”
Ms Connelly continues by saying that it is “worrying” that parents have to deal with the stress and anxiety of whether they will be able to put food on the table or indeed, feed themselves.
“Parents will always put their children first, of course they will. We are calling for the government to really take this on board - while they have done it in once-off-costs universally, which is welcomed, they need to target it more.”
Barnardo’s are calling on the government to publish a food and security plan to help families in ways they cannot solve themselves.
One parent interviewed in Cork said that she was “half afraid” to turn on the heating in her home: “You have to cut out things. With the heating, as well, you’re kind of afraid to turn it on. I only put it on if it is very very cold and I have to. We can’t cope.”