A record 228,301 calls for help to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul in 2022 and a further increase in January of this year already shows that targeted and permanent supports are needed for households in crisis.
That's according to the charity which also says that these latest figures represent a 19.5% increase on 2021.
The organisation's Cavan and Monaghan representative, Madeline Uí Mhealóid, says that already this year, some SVP regions have experienced similar increases when compared to the same period last year.
Ms Uí Mhealóid told Shannonside Northern Sound that 25% of the calls are from people and families who never had to access the the charity's services before.
She added that poverty is "very real" for some and there are mothers going without food so their child can have something in their lunchbox for school.
"There are lots of places where we help out. I would urge anyone in arrears on energy bills to contact their suppliers immediately and negotiate a payment plan. This is extremely important and our freephone number is 1800 677 777"
