Mid Ulster Food Banks increase distributions

The volunteers that make Mid Ulster’s food banks possible report that visits have increased over the prior year. To meet this growing demand, appeals to the community for assistance have resulted in greater donations during the Harvest period. This is a good thing as citizens find themselves having a more difficult time making ends meet. Often food is the last item on the budget, creating a conflict if other bills have already taken all of the money earned.

Antioch Store House is a service of Ark Kingdom Ministries and is located on 55 Molesworth Street in Cookstown. This food pantry redeems food vouchers that are presented by visitors with a bundle of food that should get the family through the next three days. Vouchers ensure that the person has met with someone who is helping with the other needs of the family, such as assisting with benefits or medical problems. Vouchers are currently distributed to clients of Social Services, doctors, Women’s Aid and the Job Centre. Churches also provide some referrals to those who demonstrate a need.

Anyone who needs help can receive a voucher from one of these professionals or aid organisations. Enquiries may also be made to the food bank by calling on 02886769066 or 07888711863. It is recommended to call prior to visiting since distributions only occur at certain hours each week.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul supports a local chapter that has been instrumental in curbing hunger in Mid Ulster. The SVP Cookstown food bank provides supplemental nutrition for lower income households who find it difficult to meet their short-term food needs. Aid is gathered from community sources and then redistributed to families who seek help.

SVP food vouchers are provided by the eight agencies that already meet with clients who are trying to work through financial and family problems. Others including the police and schools can identify potential recipients of aid. Many have been made redundant or are trying to sort through other issues that have made it hard to make all payments. Elderly residents often struggle to afford to buy the necessary groceries for the month. Those with children have an even tougher time.

While SVP does not pay for all of the food, the donations do help to cover a portion of a family’s needs during the month. This can give them the help they need until their situation improves. The facility is located near Holy Trinity College. The local address is listed on vouchers which are distributed by local aid organisations.

These two food pantries have found it challenging to attempt to cover all families in the district. They are already responsible for covering surrounding towns including Coagh, Moneymore, Pomeroy and Stewartstown.

The Maghera Cross Community Link food bank is lead by a coalition of representatives who worked hard to start a new food donation and distribution centre in Maghera. This facility also serves families of Ballymena, Bellaghy and Draperstown.

Due to the brand new status of this facility, there is less of a focus on vouchers as the group rushes to meet the most urgent needs. Anyone who is short of food may call on 07759964550 to find out how to receive donations right away.

These aid organisations are meeting the challenge to prevent hunger throughout the communities of Mid Ulster.