Children in Northern Ireland (CiNI) is calling on all political parties to support the Education (Holiday Meal Payments) Bill as it reaches its Final Stage in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Over 90,000 children in Northern Ireland are entitled to Free School Meals, and government figures show that nearly 1 in 5 are growing up in poverty.

Through CiNI’s work delivering food and activities for children and young people during school holidays, we know that families are struggling and the positive difference that restoration of dedicated holiday food payments would make.

CiNI’s Chief Executive Natalie Whelehan said:

“Children in receipt of Free School Meals do not stop needing food when schools close for the holidays. For families already struggling with the cost of living, school holidays can bring significant additional financial pressures.

“This Bill offers a vital opportunity to restore practical support that was previously delivered to families across Northern Ireland.

“We recognise the difficult financial decisions facing the Executive, but tackling child poverty and food insecurity must be a priority.

“We encourage all parties to support the Bill at Final Stage and ensure that children and families receive the support they need as soon as possible.”