Surrey County Council recently made the decision to redirect food vouchers to local food banks, a move that has inadvertently left many families—including those with neurodivergent children—struggling to cope. Like many others, I am a neurodivergent parent of three neurodivergent children, aged between 8 and 13. Although I currently qualify for free holiday clubs, as my working hours revolve around school runs due to the scarcity of appropriate wraparound care for neurodivergent children. This enormous challenge is only compounded by the fact that my children, like many others with similar sensory processing issues, have very specific dietary needs.

Neurodivergent children often require particular "safe foods" due to brand preferences, texture aversions, or specific sensory needs. This means that a generic food bank provision, no matter how well-intentioned, cannot meet their dietary requirements. As a result, families like mine are forced to spend extra money on food that our children can take to their clubs, as they often cannot tolerate the meals provided due to their unique sensory challenges.

The switch from easily available supermarket e-vouchers to food banks has made it difficult to purchase these specific food items. For many families, particularly those with limited means, this is a significant hardship. Food vouchers gave parents the flexibility to choose appropriate food products that align with their children's sensory and dietary needs, thereby ensuring that our children eat healthy, familiar, and safe meals away from any potential sensory overload. It also removed the stigma of needing to use food banks.

Surrey County Council are the decision makers on this issue, you can contact them directly at contact.centre@surreycc.gov.uk or Surrey County Council, Contact Centre, First Floor, Dakota, De Havilland Drive, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0YP.

According to a 2022 study conducted by the National Autistic Society, over 70% of parents with neurodivergent children report that meal times are among the most difficult parts of the day. Furthermore, access to specific food brands or types is often non-negotiable for these children. This demonstrates how crucial it is to grant these families the autonomy to fulfill their specific dietary needs.

We're asking Surrey County Council to reinstate supermarket e-vouchers for vulnerable families, ensuring that those with neurodivergent children can continue to support their dietary needs effectively. By doing so, we not only ease the strain on our already stretched resources, but we also uphold the dignity and emotional well-being of our neurodivergent community members.

Your voice can make a difference in restoring a critical resource for families in need. Sign this petition and help us advocate for the reinstatement of supermarket e-vouchers, so that every child can have access to the nutritious and safe food they need to thrive.