One third of parents skip meals to ensure their children are fed 

'Irish Examiner' columnist Caitríona Redmond and Cork Penny Dinners echo the Barnardos survey which found that many parents are doing without to feed their families. Stock picture

Almost one-third of parents in Ireland have skipped meals or reduced portion sizes in the past year to feed their children.

New research from Barnardos also shows the number of parents using food banks and relying on food donations has doubled.