I’m raising a concern affecting many families up and down the UK, especially with Christmas approaching. Major supermarkets such as Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl, Tesco and Asda offer very few non-dairy alternatives, particularly for seasonal items like children’s advent calendars and selection boxes etc. While dairy versions come in a wide range of themes (e.g., Paw Patrol, Bluey), non-dairy options are usually limited to one or two generic products and are significantly more expensive.

As the founder of Community Cupboard Clayton CIC, which provides emergency food parcels to people on low incomes or reduced hours, I see daily how this issue affects vulnerable families. Many of the children we support have allergies or intolerances, yet even our service struggles to include non-dairy items due to their high cost and limited availability. These children are being excluded not only socially but nutritionally.

I feel strongly that families should not be financially disadvantaged because of medical dietary needs, nor should children miss out on festive traditions.