LISTEN: 77 crisis food supplies given in 6 months by Magherafelt Foodbank

by Gráinne Connolly

Between the 1st April and 30th September 2017, 77 three day emergency food supplies were provided to local people in crisis by Magherafelt Foodbank, compared to 52 during the same period in the previous year. 

Of this number, 34 went to children. 

The foodbank, a member of The Trussel's Trust's network which has reported an increase in UK foodbank use, believes the local increase is due to people struggling with Low income and benefit changes. 

In a statement they said "a number of factors such as cold weather and high energy bills, or foodbanks and referral agencies ensuring that people who are likely to hit crisis have food ahead of Christmas Day" means there is a spike in the use of their foodbanks. 

Magherafelt foodbank's manager Jenny Thompson told Q Radio that low income or debt is usually the main reason that people end up using foodbanks: 

Jenny says that local people have always been supportive in helping them when they make an appeal for donations or volunteers.

Therefore, in the run up to Christmas she says that any donations of clothes or toiletries are welcome, as well as volunteers:

Mark Ward, Interim Chief Executive at The Trussel Trust has responded to this spike in emergency supplies, stating: 

"We're seeing soaring demand at foodbanks across the UK.

"Our network is working hard to stop people going hungry but the simple truth is that even with enormous generosity of our donors and volunteers, we’re concerned foodbanks could struggle to meet demand this winter if critical changes to benefit delivery aren’t made now.

"People cannot be left for weeks without any income, and when that income does come, it must keep pace with living costs – foodbanks cannot be relied upon to pick up the pieces.

"Without urgent action from policy-makers and even more generous practical support from the public, we don’t know how foodbanks are going to stop families and children going hungry this Christmas.”

For those interested in donating, the Magherafelt foodbank has drop off points in their local Tescos and J.P Stuart's. 

As well as this, they're also doing a national collection on the 30th November and the 1st and 2nd of December, where they stand at their local Tesco's to encourage people to donate or to thank people for their help throughout the year. 

Volunteers are also needed to man the stations over those 3 days and they can get in touch through their facebook page: 

https://www.facebook.com/MagherafeltFoodbank/

or by contacting: 

07393 451 504