MORE key changes have been made at the Fountain Foodbank in Downpatrick due to coronavirus.
To comply with government guidelines, the foodbank will no longer be accepting callers at its base at Downpatrick Presbyterian Church in Fountain Street.
Instead, the foodbank now offers a fortnightly delivery service with the new service commencing today and is strictly for those in food poverty.
The volunteers who provide the cross-community service have made it clear this service is not for people who cannot get out to the shops during the emergency. They say anyone who needs assistance of this kind should contact other agencies.
Downpatrick foodbank co-ordinator Shirley Lennon said the organisation regretted the changes it has had to make.
When referrals are made, the name of the person, size of their family and address will be logged, alongside other helpful information including locations, post codes and details including the colour of their front door and what local landmarks they may be close to.
Mrs Lennon said that the food parcels will be left outside the client’s door and volunteers will not be entering people’s homes.
In addition, she confirmed that deliveries will be made every Wednesday and that as food supplies may be limited, the volunteers can only distribute what they have.
Under the new guidelines, food donations can only be made at dedicated collection points at the Asda and Supervalu stores in Downpatrick at the Ballydugan retail park and Ballymote shopping centres respectively.
Mrs Lennon said donations could no longer be left at Downpatrick Presbyterian Church.
She said volunteers continue to be grateful for the support of many people to help needy families at what are challenging times for everyone.
Two weeks ago, the foodbank launched a new drive through facility in response to the coronavirus epidemic but has had to abort this to comply with Public Health Agency advice.
Volunteers will still be relying on people’s generosity to help them cope with demand in what are unprecedented times and have been pleased with the public’s response to help them continue helping families in need.
The foodbank hopes that shoppers will continue to think about the charity when they are shopping and leave items at the dedicated collection points in local stores as they are expecting increasing demand on the service.
The Fountain Foodbank contact details are 07444 015883, email fountainfoodbank@gmail.com or visit www.downpatrickpresbyterianchurch.org.
The Pantry Foodbank in Newcastle has also implemented a home delivery service to ensure the health and safety of volunteers, with all deliveries taking place on Thursday.
Further information about Newcastle deliveries is available at 07517 766006 or via the foodbank Facebook page. For home deliveries in the Castlewellan area, which take place on Tuesdays, contact 07709 670918.