How a Heart Attack Brought Amparo’s Family into Food Insecurity

Varied Diet

Fortunately, the school of Amparo’s children was part of the School Meals Programme, an initiative that helps parents so their children can sit in class with a full stomach. Amparo signed up for the programme, hoping for the much-needed help. “When we were granted the assistance, it was a huge relief for us,” she says. “From that moment on, we could seek variety in our meals again: different vegetables, occasionally other fruits. Before, we only looked at what was on offer or bought jars of frozen vegetables, which meant we were stuck with peas and carrots.”

The assistance the family received not only provided more variety in their diet but also reduced the stress for Amparo and her husband. “It takes so much mental strength to keep being strong and keep puzzling to give your children enough to eat. The grocery card from the programme is a huge relief in that regard; it’s at least one less worry.”

Moving

Due to financial problems, the family had to move, and the three children changed schools. Unfortunately, the new school was not part of the School Meals Programme, so the assistance stopped. “Fortunately, our fixed costs are a bit lower due to the move, but it remains a challenge every month,” says Amparo. “With the grocery card, I knew that no matter what happened, I could at least still pay for the groceries for the children.”

Great Shame

Not only Amparo, but another 450,000 people in the Netherlands live in this so-called invisible food insecurity. “Fortunately, many people receive regular assistance. But if, like us, you just don’t meet the requirements, you fall through the cracks and are left on your own. And we must not forget that this is a very large group of people,” says Amparo.

She sees that people around her find it difficult to talk about their situation and ask for help. Nevertheless, Amparo emphasises how important it is to let go of the shame and talk about your problems: “You don’t need to be ashamed to ask for help. It is an incredibly difficult situation, but speaking out about it is crucial to getting help.”

Future of School Meals

The Red Cross, in collaboration with the Youth Education Fund and on behalf of the government, runs the School Meals Programme. This programme now supports 2,200 schools and ensures that 350,000 children sit in class with a full stomach. Fortunately, the government has allocated funds for the programme again for the coming year, but it is crucial that a structural solution is found. Because no child can learn well on an empty stomach.