Three in 10 parents have skipped meals so their children can eat, research shows

THREE in ten parents have skipped meals in the past year so their children could have something to eat.

A survey of 900 mothers and fathers of primary school children found that 54% of them did not eat breakfast and half missed lunch.

While 47% even skip an evening meal.

Worryingly, 25% admitted this happens regularly.

But 82% simply pretended they weren't hungry so their children wouldn't know anything was wrong.

The research also found that 52% of all parents give themselves a smaller portion at mealtimes so that their children have enough.

The research was commissioned by General Mills, which, in partnership with the Greggs Foundation, funds 1.2 million breakfasts for school children each year through its breakfast club programme.

A spokesperson for the food manufacturer said: “These results show the extent of food insecurity in Britain.

“Any parent fortunate enough to be able to reach into the closet and find enough to feed their family may find this feeling difficult to understand.

“What it does show is the lengths parents will go to ensure their children are fed, and also protect them from their economic realities.”

The research shows that rising costs (51%) are the main reason parents deprive themselves of food, while 31% have done so shortly before payday when funds were low.

And the same percentage did it after being surprised by an unexpected bill.

As a result, one in ten parents are 'very concerned' about feeding their family in the coming year, while 38% are somewhat concerned.

But this means that 21% don't often invite their children's friends over because they fear they won't be able to feed them.

While 16% feel relieved when their children are invited to a friend's house as it eases the burden of making dinner for the evening.

It also emerged that 33% of parents feel ashamed if they have to skip meals so their children can eat, while 32% feel ashamed.

However, 39% simply feel sad, while 14% are angry about the situation they find themselves in.

The survey conducted via OnePoll.com also found that 16% of parents have been to a food bank to feed their family in the past 12 months.

And 26% are concerned about having enough food to feed the whole family in the run-up to the upcoming school holidays.

The General Mills spokesperson added: “These figures paint a very worrying picture for parents in Britain right now – just before the summer holidays, when their children will not be at school to get free school meals or to can go to the breakfast club. – and in the future.

“Schemes to help parents feed their children are hugely welcomed, and food banks and school breakfast clubs will be vital in the coming months.

“As a society, we should try to destigmatize parents who use these resources for help and reduce the shame or embarrassment people feel when they need them.”

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