Why holiday meal money for cash-strapped parents is back on the menu
The school holiday food grant was axed by the Department of Education in 2023 due to a lack of money.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"When schools close for extended holiday periods, that support disappears, and families already struggling with the cost-of-living face even greater pressure."
— Aine Leslie , Academic
"I believe that additional support during the holidays would undoubtedly be warmly received by some of those who are already finding it difficult to cope."
— David Thompson , Academic
"For many of our pupils, the school day provides not only education but also a reliable source of food and stability."
— Aine Leslie , Academic
"When schools close for extended holiday periods, that support disappears, and families already struggling with the cost-of-living face even greater pressure."
— Aine Leslie , Academic
"Support for vulnerable families was crucial."
— David Thompson , Academic
"There is a need for a fairer and more inclusive system that recognises and supports these families as well."
— David Thompson , Academic
"I am not convinced that a holiday hunger allowance is where limited resources most urgently need to be directed."
— David Thompson , Academic
Key People
Principal at Malone Integrated College advocating for holiday meal payments.
An assembly member for Sinn Féin who introduced a bill for reinstating holiday food payments.
Principal at Dungannon Primary School advocating for support for vulnerable families.
Former Permanent Secretary in the Department of Education discussing funding cuts.
Tags
All Coverage
The school holiday food grant was axed by the Department of Education in 2023 due to a lack of money.
The article discusses the reintroduction of holiday meal payments for families of children eligible for free school meals, following the Department of Education's decision to cut the program in 2023 due to financial constraints.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Funding to help more people access healthy food
Local authorities in Hull and Lincolnshire have each been given £220,000.
October 8, 2026 at 05:00 AM'Life-saving' charity for mums faces closing support
The charity recently lost out on a bid for funding and now might have to close its waiting list.
October 6, 2026 at 05:20 AMHalf the harvest, twice the bills: how drought hit farms
Farmers gathered much less wheat in 2026 and dairy farmers' costs rose.
October 7, 2026 at 05:22 AMWealthy French quit failing state schools squeezed by pensions and austerity - Reuters
Wealthy French quit failing state schools squeezed by pensions and austerity Reuters
October 9, 2026 at 05:03 AMFrance promises 3,000 extra teachers in first step to calm student protests
Education minister Edouard Geffray makes the offer after another day of sometimes violent demonstrations by high-school students.
October 9, 2026 at 11:35 AM'Wear more clothes if it's cold,' schools told as energy bills rise
The EA suggests cost-saving measures as it warns school gas and electricity bills are set to rise.
October 7, 2026 at 05:33 AM