Stories

Wed, 08 Jul 2026

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 'You have to say no': Families struggling with holiday food costs

Susan Lilley, a single mother of two, said the weekly shop has become one of her biggest financial worries.

* She received £27 per child per fortnight from the government during the pandemic but had it axed in March 2023.
* The Department of Education cited a lack of funds for the decision.
* A new bill has been introduced at Stormont that could see holiday payments reinstated, estimated to cost around £20m annually.
* Experts and families agree that access to healthy food is crucial, especially during holidays when children are at home more often.
* Women's centres across Northern Ireland report a surge in financial struggles among mothers who have to make difficult choices between healthy and affordable food options for their families.