Findings from a survey of more than 2,000 parents by Barnardo’s show the number of parents struggling to provide food has risen by 5 per cent since October 2022. The charity says this suggests 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’.
The survey also reveals that nearly one in 10 (8 per cent) respondents have used a food bank in the last year – up by a third compared to two years ago.
Based on the findings, Barnardo’s estimates there could be around 3.4 million children – three times the population of Birmingham - whose parents have struggled to provide sufficient food for them over the past 12 months.
The charity has also published a report about how the cost-of-living crisis has affected some of the children, families and young people supported by its services across the UK.
It is based upon 116 responses from a survey of Barnardo’s practitioners who work directly with families most affected by food and fuel poverty.
The report highlights examples of people the charity has helped:
- A young person who had spent time in care and didn’t have any electricity or gas for two weeks last winter, hadn’t been able to shower, had hardly eaten and was in deep depression. Barnardo’s topped up her fuel meter and bought an energy efficient electric blanket to minimise her gas bill.
- A young person who had recently left care and begun to live alone for the first time, who was struggling to manage their tenancy and had little money for food after rent payments. Barnardo’s provided supermarket vouchers and advice on planning and cooking healthy but inexpensive meals.
- A bereaved family struggling after the death of the father who was the main financial provider. Barnardo’s provided supermarket vouchers to help feed the children during the school holidays.
Sonia Gowland is a mum with two boys, living in Carlisle. Sonia has struggled with food and energy bills.
She said, ‘At one point, we didn't have the internet 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 in secondary school, 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 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.’
'The cost-of-living crisis continues to bite'.
Barnardo’s chief executive Lynn Perry commented, ‘Millions of parents up and down the country are struggling to feed their children – with even more 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.’
