First Minister visits Newtownabbey Foodbank

Pam Cameron, First Minister Arlene Foster, Paul Girvan and Trevor Clarke, with volunteers Maureen Wilson and Virginia Davis at Newtownabbey Foodbank in Carnmoney Church. INNT 17-510-SO

Mrs Foster was welcomed to the foodbank’s main depot at Carnmoney Presbyterian Church by some of the volunteers who help make the project a success.

She was accompanied on the visit by local DUP Assembly election candidates Pam Cameron, Paul Girvan and Trevor Clarke.

Mrs Foster was impressed by the set-up at the Trussell Trust foodbank and was keen to hear from the volunteers about the vital role its plays in the local community.

“She (Mrs Foster) was very impressed and was full of praise for the volunteers and the work that’s being done in the local area,” Mr Clarke said.

“It is an unfortunate situation that we need foodbanks, but this foodbank and others like it do essential work in our community.”

Newtownabbey Foodbank is based at Carnmoney Church, with satellite distribution centres at Ballyclare Presbyterian, Abbots Cross Presbyterian and Greencastle Methodist Church.

The foodbank provides emergency food supplies for local people in crisis.

Since it opened in April last year, the church-run cross-community charity has provided food parcels for more than 1,600 adults and 1,300 children.

For more information about the services provided by Newtownabbey Foodbank log on to newtownabbey.foodbank.org.uk/