Coronavirus: Communities Minister praises frontline workers during visit to Cookstown

The minister visited Mid Ulster District Council’s Food Distribution Centre at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena in Cookstown - one of 24 food distributions centres established by the councils.

Minister Hargey said: “My Department has led on this very important piece of work, however, it would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of a number of key partners including the Local Councils, Health Trusts, food suppliers and of course the Community and Voluntary Sector who are working at the grass roots of this crisis.

“These are very challenging times for all of us, however there are those in society who are facing the added pressure of self-isolating and some facing food insecurity and this service is absolutely vital in helping to alleviate that pressure.”

The food package service has been in operation since April 7 and was set up to help those most at risk of food insecurity due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This includes those who are shielding having been contacted by their GPs, as well as people who are financially vulnerable or who may be experiencing difficulties physically accessing food.

The food packages are delivered to the Council hubs and, from there, are distributed by Council employees, often working with local voluntary and community organisations.

This initiative, which has been led by the Department for Communities, has seen the number of food boxes rising week on week, with referrals coming in from a number of sources including the Department’s Covid-19 Community Helpline, the HSC Trust Triage service and the local community and voluntary sector.

Minister Hargey added: “I have been impressed with how quickly and effectively partners have pulled together to mobilise this scheme. It was heartening to hear from those delivering the food parcels to the door of those in need of the positive impact the service is having on their lives at this difficult time.”

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