In this time of economic difficulty and recession, people can often find it difficult to make ends meet. Across our towns and villages many families are in serious need.
In the Downpatrick area, hidden hardship is a growing issue, and as part of an effort to alleviate this a group of local volunteers have got together to open a new food bank where people can receive a much needed food parcel.
Shirley Lennon, Fountain Foodbank co-ordinator, explained it was based in Downpatrick Presbyterian Church in Fountain Street will open officially on Friday 27 March 2015. She said: “It will, provide food for people in need and also, if required, other support in the form of advice, or just a listening ear.
“Anyone in need of help can use the food bank by getting a voucher from a number of partner organisations who are involved in the initiative. These partners include local churches, St Vincent de Paul, County Down Rural Community Network, Down District Home-start, DOWN SureStart, Down District Citizens Advice Bureau, The Simon Community, Women’s Aid, Castle Living Choices, Bryson Care, and Action for Children.
“No one will be turned away, even if they do not have a voucher. A typical food parcel is designed to last a family for three days. The parcel will be adapted to meet the needs of the clients. Partner organisations can collect food if they wish to maintain client anonymity.”
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Looking forward to the launch are from left, back row, Sarah Shields, Carole Gill, the Rev Owen Patterson, and Connie Macrae, with front row, Karen Campbell, Shirley Lennon, Fountain Foodbank Co-ordinator, Robert Shields and Roger Dunford[/caption]
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 being received at the moment and are coming from local churches, community groups and the public. Collection points for donations are in Downpatrick Ulster Property Sales, Supervalu, Ballymote and local churches.
Shirley Lennon added: “In setting up Fountain Foodbank, we are responding to God’s love for us. We believe God can make a difference in the lives of ordinary people and the Foodbank 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. The name came from the location of the Foodbank 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.
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Some of the items donated to Fountain Foodbank.[/caption]
“Unfortunately, there seems to be a great and growing need in this area. Other local food banks including, Ballynahinch, The Pantry in Newcastle and Kilmore and Inch Parish Foodbank have been very helpful in giving us advice in what has worked for them.
“Fountain Foodbank will be open in the Presbyterian Church Hall, on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am until noon each week.
“The foodbank came about through a working partnership with the County Down Rural Community Network. Support from the network with initial funding and promotion were vital in getting the project off the ground.”
The Rev Owen Patterson, Minister at the Downpatrick Presbyterian Church in Fountain Street, said: “This is an excellent cross-community effort in addressing poverty and its effects. We are not even open yet but have been involved in assisting several needy families so far. We have a very broad base of support from the SVP to Downpatrick FC.
“We believe God will provide through our community. Poverty is not always transparent. Families could face sudden financial trauma and end up in desperate hardship overnight literally.
“Fountain Foodbank provides a confidential service to the needy and we care fro as many as we can with the resources we have. Our larder is growing by the day through the contribution of many kind people and we really hope to be able to reach out and make a difference in our community.”
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