Parents across Cork and all of Munster are skipping their own meals so children can eat

Over a third (35%) of parents in Munster said they skipped meals or reduced portion size so their children would have enough to eat, according to a survey by Barnardos.

Munster statistics provided to The Echo by the children’s charity show that 18% of respondents had to cut back or go without food over the past six months, 25% felt at some point they did not have enough food to feed their children, and 7% used a food bank.

Additionally, 13% of Munster families cut back on, or went without, heating, and 14% cut back on electricity, over the past six months, while 29% of parents reported going into arrears on energy bills due to insufficient income.

Barnardos commissioned Amárach Research to carry out a nationally representative survey with 1,000 parents/guardians with children aged under 18, including 300 in Munster, for its Cost of Living — Impact on Children 2025 report.

The study found that, nationally, 40% skipped meals or reduced portion size so their children would have enough to eat, 19% of parents cut back on or went without medical appointments, and 34% said they had borrowed money at least once over the past 12 months in order to provide their children with essentials.

Nearly 80% of parents stated that cost-of-living problems negatively affected their children, and 65% of parents said they sometimes or always worry about not being able to provide their children with daily essentials.

Independent Ireland councillor Noel O’Flynn said the report shows that the rising cost of living is “pushing families to the brink”.

“This report from Barnardos lays bare the painful truth — families are making impossible choices… cutting back on food just to keep their homes running,” 

he told The Echo. “That’s simply not acceptable in a country like Ireland. The situation is bleak, and it’s only going to get worse as the back-to-school season brings even more financial pressure for families.”

He has called on the Government to expand access to the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance, fully fund digital devices, scrap voluntary contributions, and cap school uniform costs through regulation and oversight.

Barnardos CEO Suzanne Connolly said the data shows how many families are experiencing difficulties.

“Parents on the lowest incomes are really struggling, as well as those just outside the threshold for welfare supports,” she said.

“They are continuing to try everything to give their children the necessities for a decent quality childhood, but unfortunately, at times, failing."