A single mother from Strabane, Alicia Mehaffey, has reported that rising food costs have forced her to skip meals in order to ensure her daughter has enough to eat. Mehaffey’s situation highlights ongoing struggles amidst an inflation rate that remains at 3.8% in the UK, which exceeds the Bank of England’s target of 2%. Although Mehaffey is employed and receives assistance from a local food bank, she experiences times when affording enough food for her household becomes challenging.
Recent data indicates a slight decline of 0.2% in food and non-alcoholic drink prices from August to September, marking the first decrease since May 2024. Despite this, year-on-year inflation for food and non-alcoholic drinks stands at 4.5%, and overall food prices have increased by approximately 37% over the past five years. Families are feeling the pressure as the cost of essential food items continues to rise.
Mehaffey, who works as a community carer, described the difficulties faced by families in her area. She expressed concern over empty cupboards and the strain of explaining to her young child why certain snacks may not be available. She emphasized her commitment to ensuring her daughter’s needs are met, even at the expense of her own meals.
Food banks, supported by the Trussell Trust, have become vital resources for families like Mehaffey’s, but they are also facing challenges. As food prices surge, donations have decreased, forcing these organizations to purchase food at higher costs. Fiona Cole, the Trussell Trust’s Policy and Public Affairs Manager for Northern Ireland, noted that the number of households facing food insecurity is increasing and emphasized the ongoing struggles related to budgeting and resource availability. Cole’s observations reflect a broader trend, with recent research indicating that around 520,000 individuals in Northern Ireland experience food insecurity.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c867ppdq45go?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss