A Belfast councillor is urging the Executive to reinstate holiday hunger payments as struggling families continue to go without food during school breaks.

The School Holiday Food Grant, which provided 27 pounds per child every two weeks, was discontinued in Northern Ireland on 31 March 2023, due to budget constraints. The payments had supported families of children eligible for free school meals during holiday periods, including Christmas, Easter, mid-term, and summer breaks.

Paul Doherty, founder of community solidarity hub Foodstock and a Belfast Councillor for West Belfast, has highlighted the complicated situation many parents face. Foodstock has been distributing packed lunches and fresh fruit to families in need during the mid-term break.

However, Doherty insists this is merely a temporary solution to a much deeper crisis. “School holidays have been marked months in advance on our calendar because we know the immense pressure families face”, he stated, adding “We’ve been doing what we can, but this is just sticking plaster over a much bigger issue”.

Paul Doherty stressed that many parents are skipping meals to ensure their children do not go hungry. He criticised Stormont’s inaction, pointing out that despite promises and motions on holiday hunger, no progress has been made.

“One in five children here are living in poverty. Why isn’t this a priority for the First Minister and Deputy First Minister?”, he asked. “The Executive has a legal obligation to implement an anti-poverty strategy, yet all we hear from Stormont is silence.” Therefore, Paul Doherty is calling for immediate action to reinstate the payments and introduce a long-term strategy to tackle child poverty, ensuring families receive the support they need during school breaks.