Recent findings from the annual Barnardos and ALDI Ireland Food Insecurity Research shed light on a concerning trend in Irish households. The research conducted by Coyne Research revealed a 12% increase in parents reducing their food intake to ensure their children have enough to eat compared to last year. Shockingly, 41% of parents have resorted to skipping meals or reducing portion sizes to provide food for their children.

The survey of 1,000 adults also indicated a surge in food insecurity among families, with many resorting to drastic measures such as borrowing money for food, relying on food banks, and cutting back on household expenses. Alarmingly, 24% of families had to borrow money to feed their children, a significant increase from previous years.

Furthermore, 19% of parents reported feeling they did not have enough food to feed their children at some point in the past 12 months, up from 15% in January 2022. More than one in seven parents (16%) stated they were regularly unable to afford a main meal for their family, while 29% admitted to skipping meals or reducing portion sizes so their children would have enough to eat.

The survey also highlighted that 39% of parents always, mostly, or occasionally feed children above or instead of themselves, compared to 28% in January 2022. Additionally, 10% of parents reported using food banks over the previous 12 months, more than double the number in the previous survey (4%).

These findings underscore the critical importance of addressing food insecurity in Ireland's households to ensure children have access to sufficient and nutritious food, vital for their health and physical development.

In light of these alarming findings, it is evident that addressing food insecurity in Irish households is paramount to ensure children have access to sufficient and nutritious food, vital for their health and physical development. Recognising this pressing need, organisations like ourselves, play a crucial role in supporting families facing food insecurity. Through our daily meal services and meals-on-wheels program, we strive to provide warm and nutritious meals to those in need. 

See the full report from Barnardos by clicking this link