Diligent hands pack food into portion packs in the kitchen of Sula Free Church in Sunnmøre. Once a week, they distribute food to families who need it. They get the rest of the food from catering establishments in the municipality. – We have not announced the offer, because we do not have enough food for more people than those who get everything, says Per Åge Havnegjerde, who is responsible for Frimat Sula. There are many families with small children among those who need food in Sula, and around half of them have immigrated to Norway. Per Åge Havnegjerde is responsible for the food distribution at Sula Free Church. Photo: Mia Sofie Ytreberg / news Fewer in work A new report from Statistics Norway shows that around 2005 there was roughly the same proportion of children in low-income families in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. But in the years up to 2020, the countries have had completely different developments: The number of children in families with a low income increased significantly in Norway and Sweden – to 13 and 18 per cent, while the number is more or less unchanged at around 10 per cent in Denmark and Finland. Senior adviser at Statistics Norway Jon Epland says that while income development among families with small children has generally been relatively good from 2005-2020 in Norway and Sweden, the same does not apply to families with small children in the fifth with the lowest income. Senior advisor Jon Epland at SSB. Photo: Per Kristian Lie Lowe / SSB – What we primarily see as an explanation is that the connection to the labor market among families with low incomes has weakened during this period, says Epland. More families than before therefore live only on benefits. This does not apply to our Nordic neighbors Denmark and Finland. There, the incomes of families with a low income increased at least as much as for most families with children, and more of them were in work in 2020 than in 2005. More with an immigrant background The report also shows that the number of children with an immigrant background increased more in Sweden and Norway than in Denmark and Finland during this period. This will affect the development of low-income families in society, Statistics Norway states. – Children with an immigrant background more often live in families with a low income – both because the parents have weaker professional connections and they often live in larger families than other children, explains Epland. Both Sweden and Norway have seen a large increase in the number of children with an immigrant background in low-income families. In Sweden and Norway, the proportion of children in the lowest fifth increased from around 30 per cent in 2005, to 74 per cent (Sweden) and 51 per cent (Norway) in 2020. During the same period, Denmark and especially Finland had clearly less immigration than Sweden and Norway, and fewer with an immigrant background in the low-income group. Excited about the development The survey was carried out on the basis of an international data set that ran until 2020. After that, Statistics Norway has not compared the development in the four Nordic countries. – But we know the development in Norway, and there we may see a positive trend in that the number of low-income families may be on the way down. It is linked to increased child benefit, and less immigration during the corona pandemic, says Epland. At the same time, it is uncertain whether the war in Ukraine and the refugees who come from it will cause the positive development to turn around again. – We are quite excited there. I think we can expect that, at least in the first few years, they will make up a large part of those with a low income, says the senior adviser. – Serious Minister for Children and Families Kjersti Toppe (Sp) wrote in an email to news that it is serious that the number of immigrant children who are part of low-income families is increasing. – Both because it increases the risk of having poor living conditions as a child, and because it increases the risk of having a low income as an adult. What will they do to prevent this from developing further? – For many newly arrived refugees, it takes time to get into the labor market and get a stable income. When many families with children immigrate, it is therefore important to prioritize measures that help parents in work and that contribute to good living conditions and a safe upbringing for the children. Toppe says that earlier this autumn she received a report from an expert group, with recommendations on how the government should improve the living conditions and quality of life of children in poor families, and prevent poverty from being inherited. This has been sent for consultation, with a deadline in January. Minister for Children and Families Kjersti Toppe (Sp) says the report shows that work with inclusion and integration is important going forward. Photo: William Jobling / news – It’s sad In Sula, the volunteers have finished packing food for the day. Then it is ready to drive out. Some of those who receive free food are ashamed of having to accept help. They would prefer the food to be seen on the doormat, then they will receive an SMS that it has been delivered. Others come to the Sula Free Church and take care of themselves. They are happy to strike up a conversation with the volunteers, and express great joy that they are getting help. A father of a small child who came by to pick up food from Frimat Sula says that free bread is a great help to his family. Photo: Mia Sofie Ytreberg / news – It is sad that it is like this in Norway today, but then it is also good that we can be there and help. I also think the need is much greater than what we see. Many have a difficult time in secret. It is disgraceful, says Per Åge Havnegjerde. Janne-Grete Juliebø Havnegjerde took the initiative to start Frimat at the Sula Free Church. Photo: Mia Sofie Ytreberg / news He is supported by his wife Janne-Grete Juliebø Havnegjerde, who was the one who took the initiative to start food distribution at Sula Frikirke. – It is a great pleasure for us to be able to give to those who need it, and they also express great gratitude in return, she says.
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Increase in children with low income in Norway and Sweden – stable in Finland and Denmark – news Møre og Romsdal – Local news, TV and radio
