Fourfold increase in demand at foodbank

A Co Antrim foodbank has seen a fourfold surge in demand for its services during the coronavirus pandemic.
Foodbank volunteers pack bags of supplies.Foodbank volunteers pack bags of supplies.
Foodbank volunteers pack bags of supplies.

Newtownabbey Foodbank has remained open during the crisis and been "exceptionally busy" over the last two months, with many turning to the service when they can no longer feed their families.

"From March 16-31, a total of 337 people including 138 children have received food parcels. This is triple the number the food bank would normally feed. That trend [has continued] in April increasing to four times the number normally fed," read a statement from the foodbank, which is based on Carnmoney Road.

"The foodbank had a good stock of food in the warehouse but that rapidly decreased with the demands of supporting those in need. That we have been able to continue is due to the support from the Newtownabbey community with food and monetary donations.

"Tesco have donated and delivered pallets of food to the warehouse, businesses and individuals have donated money, Asda and Lidl donated bags to enable volunteers to pack the food in new bags. Financial donations enable the purchase of key items of food, which are not in stock.

"For anyone wishing to donate to the foodbank we are short of the following items of food: tinned meat, tinned custard and rice pudding, tea bags and coffee, long life milk and long life juice."

Donations may be left into the sports hall at the side of Carnmoney Church Centre on Monday and Thursday between 12pm and 2pm.

Rev John Dickinson, Chair of the Management Committee added: “The Newtownabbey Foodbank has seen an upsurge of support in so many ways since the current crisis began. We have received financial support from businesses, community groups and individuals as well as generous donations of food and other items. Individuals and couples who have had no previous experience of serving in the Foodbank have become regular volunteers. Our acting Project Manager, Dan Black, has been able to call on this support to enhance the contribution the Foodbank makes to the life of the borough in numerous practical ways. For his vision and your practical support we are deeply grateful.”