More than 25 percent in Scotland struggling to provide food for kids

Back then, 19 percent of parents surveyed said they had been unable to provide for their offspring but now that has risen by a further eight percent to 27%, suggesting that the cost-of-living crisis is continuing to hit families who are struggling to afford to keep their fridge stocked and their power on.

More than half of the same group have said they had to reduce their spending on food costs to save money over the same period, while seven percent claim they have had to use a foodbank in the past year.

Barnardo’s say it is exposes a ‘shameful’ picture in Scotland as the colder weather and long nights approach with many families unable to afford to put enough food on the table and keep their electricity meter topped up, and the charity is calling on government to act urgently to end child poverty - starting with lifting the two-child limit on benefits.

Parents are struggling to feed their children (Image: Barnardos)

Martin Crewe, Director of Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “For too many children this winter, they and their families will be struggling to get by. It means worrying about being able to put the lights or heating on, having hot meals or being able to contact their friends. It means worrying about where the next meal will come from and what the future holds.

“Every year, Barnardo’s supports thousands of children and families across the country who are struggling; struggling to help them keep the power on and the fridge stocked so they feel safer, happier, healthier and more hopeful. But charities such as ours cannot eradicate child poverty alone – the governments in Westminster and Holyrood must commit to ending the blight of child poverty.

“It was extremely disappointing that the latest Programme for Government rows back on the commitment to expand free school meals to all Primary 6 and 7 pupils, and failed to further increase the Scottish Child Payment. Without this crucial assistance, we know that the child poverty reduction targets will be much harder to meet.

“Too many children are going to school hungry and returning to a cold home. Their physical and mental health suffers, they’re missing out on a good childhood, and it affects their chances in later life. We are calling on the public to join us in standing up for every child living in poverty to show them that they haven’t been forgotten and that they belong.”

One family who has been supported by Barnardo’s is Zara and her daughter Gemma, 17. Their names have been changed to keep them anonymous and they got help through Bernardo’s when Gemma was missing school and found support through the Barardo’s Works service to undertake a ‘Fit for Work’ programme and then a work placement.

However, it soon became clear that the family needed more than just employment support, as Zara, 49, explains: “We were struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and trying to buy food and keep paying for the gas. Things were really difficult, so I reached out for help. I suffered from anxiety and depression and things were so hard because I felt that I couldn’t provide for my family. From Barnardo’s, we got help with food and clothes and help to pay the gas bill.”

Read More: 

• Child poverty focus welcome but more cash needed, says charity

• Child poverty in Scotland laid bare as 15,000 use Baby Banks for help

• Des McNulty: Scotland needs a new approach to tackling child poverty

It was also discovered that Zara and Gemma were struggling to sleep at night due to old beds that were no longer fit for purpose. Zara adds: “My daughter was sleeping in two old single beds pushed together that were broken, the springs were popping through, they were burst and dirty. It was embarrassing to me that I couldn’t provide for my daughter, and I felt as if I was a failure.

“I was also sleeping in a bed that was broken at the top, so I was sinking into it. The mattress was burst and the springs were horrendous to sleep on. It wasn’t doing my back or my health any good, but Barnardo’s also managed to get us new beds, which I am very, very grateful for. When we got them, it was fantastic. I felt like I was in a nice hotel; not that I’ve stayed in a hotel before! We are both very grateful.

“A lot of people don’t know that Barnardo’s can help single parents like me, but they were really good and they supported me and my daughter very well. It was a good help. If Gemma had not been referred to Barnardo’s, I wouldn’t have had a clue that help and support would have been there for my daughter and me. We are getting there, slowly, but surely, but life is an ongoing struggle.”

In response, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Tackling child poverty is a defining mission for this government. Following the UK Chancellor's July statement, we face the most challenging financial situation since devolution but are clear we will continue to prioritise people in need.

“Since 2022-23 we have allocated £3 billion a year to polices which tackle poverty and protect people including providing free bus travel for around 2 million people, free school meals for all children in primaries 1-5, and social security benefits and payments which are only available in Scotland.

“Modelling in February estimated that Scottish Government policies will keep 100,000 children out of relative poverty this year. These policies include the ‘game-changing’ Scottish Child Payment, which is supporting 325,000 under-16s and is only available in Scotland.”