Rising Food Prices Strain Families: Northern Ireland's Holiday Crisis

Soaring Food Prices During Summer Holidays Strain Families

For many families, the eight-week summer break means a sharp increase in food expenses. Susan Lilley, a single mother-of-two, said the weekly shop has become one of her biggest financial worries, and she has called on Stormont to "put your money where your mouth is".

"You want to have everything they need, everything that's nutritious for them, but it's impossible trying to get the quality of food, especially food and veg and protein, with the prices." — Susan Lilley

Without the pandemic-era support payments, Lilley said she sometimes has to choose a less healthy, processed option for her children because it's often cheaper than fresh foods. "My little girl would like strawberries and blackberries, but it's a fortune," she explained.

Tips for managing food costs during holidays: While no official programs exist, families can plan meals around seasonal produce, buy in bulk when possible, and consider community food initiatives or food banks for additional support.

Northern Ireland's Lack of Holiday Support Payments Exacerbates the Burden

Northern Ireland is currently the only part of the UK without school holiday supports. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the families of 90,000 children eligible for free school meals received £27 per child each fortnight. Those payments were axed by the Department of Education in March 2023 due to a lack of money. Dr Mark Browne, then permanent secretary, said axing the scheme was the most difficult decision he had to make.

Northern Ireland stands alone in the UK in lacking any government-funded food support during school holidays.

Although UK food inflation has slowed, prices are continuing to rise, just at a slower rate. This compounds the financial strain on families already struggling to afford nutritious food. Broader economic shifts do little to ease immediate household pressures.

Families Call on Government to Reinstate Food Payments Amid Soaring Prices

Susan Lilley has called on Stormont to "put your money where your mouth is" and restore holiday payments. A new bill introduced at Stormont could see holiday payments reinstated. Advocates argue that without such support, families will continue to struggle with rising food costs.

"People aren't managing," Lilley said. "Children are our future. If they are being limited now how are they going to be the best they can be, to be productive and grow into full, whole human beings and adults?"

The bill's progress remains uncertain, but families like Lilley's need immediate relief. The choice between a nutritious meal and a cheap processed alternative should not be a daily reality for any parent.

Key Takeaways

• Summer holidays sharply increase food costs for families, especially those already financially vulnerable.
• Northern Ireland is the only UK region without school holiday food supports, leaving a gap in safety nets.
• Pandemic-era payments of £27 per child per fortnight were cut in March 2023, affecting 90,000 children.
• A new bill at Stormont could reinstate these payments, but families need immediate relief now.
• Soaring food prices force difficult trade-offs, with fresh produce often priced beyond reach.