SVP: Families cutting back on food to pay for school costs

Families are cutting back on food and heating to pay for their children’s back-to-school costs, according to the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP).

SVP said it received a record number of calls last month, including calls from over 5,000 families seeking help for school costs.

“Particularly at this time of the year, families approach SVP for help with utility bills or food shopping because of the pressure of buying uniforms, books and other materials and paying for the so-called ‘voluntary’ contribution.” SVP spokesperson Tricia Keilthy said.