Previously, Cecilia worked as a nanny, but now she is on sick leave. Her partner is unemployed. Together they have two children and a dog. When all the bills are paid, the family has about SEK 2,000 left for food.
– We usually collect a deposit when we are out with the dog. The money goes to food, she says.
Get help from association
In order for the family to get by, Cecilia buys groceries with a card or an expired best-before date. They get help with vegetables and fruit from an association. On social media, Cecilia tries to exchange clothes for food.
– The most difficult thing to buy is protein. Meat, cheese and milk are expensive. It makes it easier when the children are at school so they can eat the school lunch, she says and adds:
– It is always difficult as a parent not to be able to buy what the children want.
Many families with poor finances
In Västmanland County, a total of 13,500 children, up to the age of 19, live in a low economic standard, according to the latest figures from Statistics Norway, Statistics Sweden. Non-profit associations in Västerås have seen an increased request for Christmas help.
Will you buy Christmas presents for your children?
– I have bought a little during the year and put it away, socks and such. It won’t be the Playstation 5 that the 11-year-old wants, but you learn to appreciate the little things, she says.
The family has not been able to afford a Christmas tree for several years. But this year they will receive a Christmas tree.
– We look forward to that. Preferably the 11-year-old. Being able to dress that tree this year, says Cecilia.