Three in 10 parents have skipped meals in the last year – to feed their children

Three in 10 parents have skipped meals during the last year so their children can have something to eat, according to research. A study of 900 mums and dads, of primary school children, found 54 percent of these have gone without breakfast, and half have missed lunch – while 47 percent have even forgone an evening meal.

Worryingly, 25 percent admitted it is a regular occurrence – but 82 percent simply pretended they weren’t hungry, so their children wouldn’t know anything was amiss.

The study also found 52 percent of all parents have given themselves a smaller portion at mealtimes, so their children have enough.

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

A spokesman for the food manufacturer said: “These results show just how significant food insecurity is in the UK.

“Any parent who is lucky enough to be able to reach into the cupboard and find enough to feed their family, might find this feeling hard to understand.

“What it does show is the lengths parents will go to in order to ensure their kids are fed, and also shield them from their economic reality.”

The study revealed rising costs (51 percent) is the main reason parents are depriving themselves of food, with 31 percent having done so shortly before payday, when funds were low – while the same percentage did it after being caught out by an unexpected bill.

As a result, one in 10 parents are “very worried” about feeding their family over the next year, while 38 percent are somewhat concerned.

This also means that one in five (21 percent) don’t often invite their children’s friends round, as they worry they can’t feed them.

And 16 percent feel relief when their children are invited to a friend’s house, as it relieves the burden of feeding them for the evening.

It also emerged 33 percent of parents feel ashamed when they have to skip meals so their kids can eat, while 32 percent feel embarrassed. However, 39 percent simply feel sad, and 14 percent are angry at the situation they find themselves in.

The study, carried out via OnePoll.com, also found 16 percent of parents have been to a food bank in the last 12 months to provide food for their family.

And 26 percent are worried about having enough food to feed the whole family, ahead of the upcoming school half-term holiday.

General Mills’ spokesman added: “These figures paint a very worrying picture for parents in the UK, both right now – just before the half-term holiday, when their children won’t be at school getting free school meals or be able to attend breakfast club – and in the future.

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

“As a society, we should look to destigmatise parents using these resources for help, and reduce the shame or embarrassment people feel when they need them.”