Downpatrick gets food bank to combat poverty

Downpatrick gets food bank to combat poverty

25 March 2015

A FOOD bank is to open in Downpatrick to help families plunged into poverty.

With people struggling to make ends meet due to the recession and challenging economic climate, the food bank is the fourth to open in the district to provide help to those most in need.

Those behind the new initiative based at Downpatrick Presbyterian Church say “hidden hardship” is a growing issue in the town and the formal launch of the food bank this Friday morning is part of a concerted effort to help needy families.

A group of local volunteers have joined forces to run the food bank where people can receive a much-needed food parcel along with advice and a listening ear.

The Co. Down Rural Community Network provided the initial funding to get the Fountain food bank off the ground and is heavily involved in the scheme along with local churches and organisations who provide help and support to families.

They include St Vincent de Paul, Home Start, Sure Start, the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Simon Community, Women’s Aid, Castle Living Choices, Bryson Care and Action for Children who will all provide vouchers for those who need food to feed their families.

However, the partner organisations insist people in need of help who do not have a food voucher will not be turned away, explaining food parcels are designed to last a family for three days. Parcels can also be adapted to meet the needs of individual families and can be delivered to people’s homes if they wish.

Local groups from Downpatrick and beyond are supporting the food bank and over 40 volunteers from all sections of the local community will be involved in packing and issuing the food. Donations of non-perishable food are already being received from local churches, community groups and the public with collection points including Downpatrick Ulster Property Sales, SuperValu, the Ballymote Centre and local churches.

Fountain food bank co-ordinator, Shirley Lennon, said the new initiative has been set up in response to God’s love for people.

“We believe God can make a difference in the lives of ordinary people and the food bank gives us a chance to put our faith in action. It is encouraging to see so many volunteers who are keen to help meet a real need in our community,” she continued.

“The name came from the location of the food bank in Fountain Street but it also reflects the idea that people are sharing their overflowing resources with those who are finding it difficult to meet their basic needs.”

Shirley said that “unfortunately,” there seems to be a great need across the district, with other food banks having already opened in Ballynahinch and Newcastle and one serving people in the Kilmore and Inch areas.

The Downpatrick initiative is designed to provide families with food on a short-term basis due to what those behind the project have described as “changed and difficult circumstances.” Anyone who needs help is asked to contact local clergy, any of the partner organisations or the Sinn Fein office in the town.

Downpatrick councillor Naomi Bailie has welcomed plans to open the food bank and congratulated all those involved, but expressed concern at the growing need for such facilities.

“While these people are to be commended for providing a much-needed service, it’s extremely worrying poverty levels have become so high that people in Downpatrick are dependent on food banks to feed their families,” she continued.

“The dramatic increase in the numbers using food banks is an indictment of the welfare cuts and more needs to be done to tackle poverty and disadvantage and to ensure people have an adequate income.”

The Fountain Food bank will be open in the Presbyterian Church Hall on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am until noon and officially opens this Friday morning.