Scots charity worker says cost of living crisis leaves parents skipping meals to feed kids

A Scottish children's charity worker has described the harrowing levels of child poverty that she sees on a daily basis, due to the cost of living crisis. s through her job with Cash for Kids.

Ellie Hunter, 22, works for Scottish charity Cash for Kids. The Edinburgh-based fundraising executive said that some families now see food, clothing and heating as 'luxury items' they can no longer afford - especially during school holidays.

She says that during the summer break, many children lose out on free school meals, leaving many hungry with their parents unable to meet the cost of providing an extra meal.

Ellie explained: "Over the last few years, I have seen a huge increase in working class poverty. We are seeing families where both parents work struggle to make ends meet due to the rising cost of everything including basic items.

"Everyday I see the struggles families are dealing with now more than ever before. I manage the cost-of-living fund and the applications that come in every day break my heart.

"What I am seeing more and more is that food, clothing, and heating is a luxury now, treats/toys are just not possible for a lot of families anymore. They are struggling to afford basic essentials.

"I have seen a lot of families facing heartbreaking situations where parents have to sacrifice their own meals to ensure their child is eating which is not okay. Cash for Kids are here to ensure we can support these families and make sure they are all eating.

"Many cases I have dealt with, parents feel ashamed and embarrassed to ask for help. They don't want to make that step by reaching out to ask for support with essentials."

Now, Ellie is facing her greatest fear to fundraise to help those families out.

Terrified of heights, Ellie will be pushing herself to the limit by taking part in a skydive on Thursday May 2.

Explaining why the fundraiser is needed, Ellie said: "Since the start of 2024 we have supported 5,090 children through our cost-of-living fund. We've launched this fund to support struggling families by providing emergency essentials that support the physical and mental well-being of children.

"These basic items could include food, clothing and household energy costs. Grants are £50 per child per household, and we aim to get the funds to families as soon as possible.

"In order to keep this fund open, we need to actively fundraise. We are inundated with requests for help and once the money goes, we need to sadly close the fund and wait until we have enough money to open it again.

"This can be very difficult when you have emergency applications come in and you aren't able to immediately help."

She added that the upcoming summer holidays put real pressure on families who are already struggling, adding: "2.4 million children receive free school meals across the UK, therefore in the school holidays these essential meals are not an option for so many children.

"Cash for Kids surveyed beneficiaries and we found that 72 per cent of parents supported by Cash for Kids expect to go into debt to cope with the financial pressure of the holidays. This is heartbreaking and the reason why I am fundraising for Cash for Kids."

Cash for Kids corporate partners Watermans have sponsored the skydive, and those taking part have already raised £33,000 collectively.

Ellie says that Watermans are a key supporter of Cash for Kids missions with their staff giving both their time as volunteers as well as financial support to ensure local children are not left behind.

To support Ellie's fundraiser, please click here.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.