The Department of Education's decision to end holiday hunger payments for families across Northern Ireland with a single day's notice will leave many in a difficult position over the Easter period.

Funding for the Healthy Happy Minds Pilot and the Engage programme will also end from March 31.

Parents in receipt of these payments must now find a way to put food on the table over the Easter period, as they face significant pressure due to the cost of living emergency.

Children in need of support will also lose out due to the loss of programmes designed to help them improve their mental health and support learning following the Covid-19 pandemic.