Mother who ‘used to be comfortable’ admits she can’t afford a 55p treat and is skipping meals to feed her children amid cost of living crisis – as parents say they’re ‘choosing between heating and eating’
- Mumsnet users from across the UK have revealed how they are cutting costs
- A mother began the thread by revealing she broke down in tears while shopping
- She had £30 to buy two weeks worth of food and couldn’t afford treat for kids
A mother who is feeling the squeeze of the cost of living crisis received an outpouring of support after she admitted she is skipping meals in order to feed her children.
The British woman took to Mumsnet to confess she had cried in Asda because she could not afford to buy a 55p baked good as a treat for her children.
‘I can’t believe we’re living like this, three years ago we were comfortable and now I’m relying on the free school meals half term vouchers,’ she said, echoing the feelings of millions around the country who are also feeling the pinch.
The mother, who did not say what she did or how many children she has, explained she had £30 to spend on two weeks of groceries, including nappies, and teared up when she realised she didn’t even have an extra 55p to spare.
A mother who is feeling the squeeze of the cost of living crisis received an outpouring of support after she admitted she is skipping meals in order to feed her children. Stock image
The mother, who did not say what she did or how many children she has, explained she had £30 to spend on two weeks of groceries, including nappies, and teared up when she realised she didn’t even have an extra 55p to spare
The mother later shared an update to reveal she is skipping meals to feed her children
Her post was met with messages of support from hundreds of others in similar positions, with many admitting they’re being forced to choose between ‘heating and eating’.
The Bank of England warned last week that Britons will suffer an ‘historic’ shock to their incomes after inflation soared to a 30-year high of 6.2 per cent last month – expected to rise to eight per cent in the spring.
Meanwhile gas and electricity bills of around 22million homes are set to increase by 54 per cent after the new price cap came into force just days ago.
Other responses to the thread revealed they’ve had the similar experience with having to choose between feeding their families and heating their home
The impact on families was laid bare in the Mumsnet thread.
One user wrote: ‘I’m the same. I saw some muffins in Tesco for £1 the other day and felt a bit emotional that I couldn’t afford them and I’ve been working since my early teens.
‘The country is an absolute shambles.’
Another commented: ‘It’s a horrible feeling. I was £1.50 direct debit in my account on Friday and my bank messaged they would reverse the debit if I didn’t have the money in my account by end of the day (get paid on Monday).
‘I had to message my best friend to ask if she would transfer me it and I was so embarrassed. Bless her, she put £30 in my account so I wasn’t short over the weekend, which made me cry. It’s a scary time right now.’
A third added: ‘We are in the same boat. One of my children is disabled and I am his full time carer. I have four university degrees and had a good career.
‘Now we’re choosing between heating and eating because of price rises. I wrote to my Tory MP (whom I have never voted for) and he doesn’t care. We don’t qualify for anything extra. I can’t cut back any more.’
Others offered practical solutions for saving money, with one person writing: ‘Can you lift share with anyone for work? Food banks and local charities are great help, don’t be too shy/embarrassed to ask for help. Your kid’s school can also signpost you to more support.’
People shared their sympathy for the woman and many admitted they are in a similar position due to the unprecedented price hikes
Another said: ‘It’s worth checking out what the local churches do as well.
‘On a Friday I walk past a church where they leave containers of fruit, veg, bread etc just put on the street for anyone to help themselves.
‘I always think that is quite handy as some people might feel embarrassed to go in and ask for help. Look for different community groups on Facebook too.’
A third wrote: ‘For some quick money – never going to make you a huge amount, but it is instant try doing some online surveys. Very boring but they can be done whilst sitting in front of the TV.Others shared their own stories of struggling to make ends meet, while reassuring the mother that she isn’t alone in wanting to cry about her finances.
A stream of responses to the thread shared advice including visiting a food bank and sharing a car to get to work
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