The principal of a local primary school has spoken out about the generosity of an Enniskillen church community that has provided support following the Department of Education’s decision to end the School Holiday Food Grants (SHFG), which will be “devastating” for many families over the Easter break.

Principals were informed at the end of last week that the SHFG would cease from March 31 – just days before schools went off on the Easter half-term break.

It was also announced that important education support programmes including the Healthy Happy Minds Pilot and the Engage programme would end on March 31.

Mrs. Sandra Isherwood, principal at Jones Memorial Primary School, shared with this paper that it was “devastating” for so many families to hear news that holiday hunger payments were being cut by the Department of Education.

“We all know the negative effects of children not being fed properly during school holidays,” she said.

Although the Department has cut the SHFG, also known as the ‘holiday hunger’ payment, Jones Memorial PS has been given a very generous donation from Rossorry Parish Church that ensures every family entitled to free school meals will receive the equivalent holiday food payment.

“Thankfully Jones Memorial stepped into action fast, and through the partnership we have with Rossorry Parish Church, we have distributed hunger payments to those children in our care who need them,” said Mrs. Isherwood.

Rev. McWhirter, Rector, is grateful that Rossorry Parish Church recognises the need for local families to have practical support for basic need and they are very pleased to be able to help at such a time as this.

“Thank you must go to the church for their financial and prayerful support,” added Mrs. Isherwood.

SDLP Councillor Adam Gannon, who works as a teacher in the local area, has slammed the decision by the Department, explaining that school leaders were given only a single day’s notice of their intention to end these important education support programmes across Northern Ireland.

He said: “The decision to scrap these schemes is absolutely outrageous. To do so with a single day’s notice to principals, staff and the parents that rely on them is totally unforgivable.

“I understand the challenging financial position that the Department of Education is in, but what about the financial situation facing thousands of families?

“Cutting holiday hunger payments right before the Easter break will be devastating for low-income families across the North.

“Ending Healthy Happy Minds and the Engage programme will leave kids that need a bit more support in a terrible situation, not to mention the staff that rely on this funding.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said: “Since July, 2020, additional ringfenced funding has been provided to enable the Department of Education to pay School Holiday Food Grants (SHFG) on behalf of the Executive.

“From April 2023, this additional ringfenced funding has ended, and therefore school holiday food grants can no longer be made.

“The Department recognises the important support the SHFG scheme has provided for low-income families who are struggling financially, particularly with recent cost of living rises, and realises the huge disappointment this will be for parents.

“It is with great reluctance that the Department is confirming that SHFG ceased from March 31.

“While funding allocations have not yet been confirmed, by the Secretary of State, the Department of Education is facing an extremely challenging budget.

“We will continue to work with other government departments and agencies in efforts to tackle holiday hunger in the future.”