Cost of living crisis: 25 food banks operating across Northern Ireland
The cost of living crisis is taking its toll on several families within Northern Ireland, not excluding those who believed they were financially stable.
By Conor McAteer
Published 30th Sep 2022, 13:21 BST
Updated 10th Oct 2022, 08:35 BST
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly a fifth of the population, including over 100,000 children, lived below the poverty line.
There’s no denying the recent spike in food and fuel prices has had a detrimental effect on those already struggling, and the fact that 1-in-14 households have an inability to access enough varied food for a healthy lifestyle, the importance of foodbanks to aid the most deprived families and individuals has never been greater.
Recent research from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has identified that households will typically need to spend between 24% and 46% of their income on a food basket that only contains the minimum healthy essential foodstuffs.
In an attempt to put an end to the turmoil, food banks across Northern Ireland are playing pivotal roles in attempting to alleviate the food crisis, offering vital items to those who need them most.
Here are 25 food banks in operation across the country:
Recent research from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has identified that households will typically need to spend between 24% and 46% of their income on a food basket that only contains the minimum healthy essential foodstuffs.
9. Ballycastle Food Bank
Ballycastle Food Bank is located at Leyland Road, Ballycastle. Opened in 2014, the Ballycastle Food Bank has given out 780 emergency supplies to people in need last year. Opening hours: Wednesday 2pm-3:30pm or call to make an appointment
For more information go to: ballycastle.foodbank.org.uk or call 07536986448 Photo: kuarmungadd - stock.adobe.com
10. Ballymena Food Bank
The Ballymena Food Bank is based at Faith Avenue, Ballymena.
Ballymena Food Bank has handed out 909 three–day supplies to people in crisis in the past year and provides invaluable resources for those who need it. Opening hours: Monday and Wednesday 11am-1pm and Thursday 10am-12pm
For more information go to ballymena.foodbank.org.uk or call 02825422543 Photo: uladzimirzuyeu - stock.adobe.com
11. Ballymoney Food Bank
Ballymoney Food Bank is based on Ballymoney Road, Ballymoney.
Opened in 2014, the Ballymoney Food Bank has given 588 three-day emergency supplies to people in poverty over the last twelve months.
Opening hours: Tuesday 10am-12:30pm and Friday 2pm-5pm
For more information go to ballymoney.foodbank.org.uk or call 07565 840571 Photo: sewcream - stock.adobe.com
12. Carrickfergus Food Bank
Carrickfergus Food Bank is on Woodburn Road, Carrickfergus.
The Carrickfergus Food Bank opened in 2014 and has since offered nutritionally balanced meals for those in need in the surrounding Carrickfergus area.
Opening hours: Wednesday and Friday 10am-12pm For more information go to carrickfergus.foodbank.org.uk or call 07515559409 Photo: Monkey Business Images