Churches expand Foodbank project

Newtownabbey Foodbank has opened a ‘Satellite Distribution Centre’ at Abbots Cross Presbyterian Church in response to growing need within the local community.
Minister of Abbots Cross Presbyterian Church, Rev Ivan Neish and Assistant Minister, Mark Johnston with foodbank coordinator, Catherine White and volunteers who will help run the Newtownabbey Foodbank satellite distribution centre. INNT 20-001-PSBMinister of Abbots Cross Presbyterian Church, Rev Ivan Neish and Assistant Minister, Mark Johnston with foodbank coordinator, Catherine White and volunteers who will help run the Newtownabbey Foodbank satellite distribution centre. INNT 20-001-PSB
Minister of Abbots Cross Presbyterian Church, Rev Ivan Neish and Assistant Minister, Mark Johnston with foodbank coordinator, Catherine White and volunteers who will help run the Newtownabbey Foodbank satellite distribution centre. INNT 20-001-PSB

The new facility, an extension of the Newtownabbey Foodbank project based at Carnmoney Church, was officially opened on Tuesday, May 19.

The centre at Abbots Cross Presbyterian Church, Doagh Road will be open every Tuesday from 10am - 12noon and every Thursday evening 6.30pm - 8.30pm, and will be run by a team of volunteers from various churches in the local area.

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The new distribution centre is an addition to the Carnmoney-based Foodbank, which is open every Monday afternoon, 2pm - 4.30pm and every Wednesday evening, 6.30pm - 9pm.

“The Abbots Cross Distribution Centre will draw food from the main warehouse at Carnmoney Presbyterian Church and make it available to people across the local community,” a spokesman for the project explained. “This will ensure that people living in the communities around Abbots Cross will not have to travel to the main distribution centre at Carnmoney to exchange their food vouchers.

“People who will make use of the Foodbank Centre will be assured of a warm welcome, a cup of tea or coffee and some refreshments, free internet access, a space for children to play in, and all within a friendly, relaxing environment. There will be an opportunity to talk with one of the volunteers and to look at ways in which additional support can be provided, all within the strictest of confidence,” he added.

Food is donated by a large number of congregations in the Newtownabbey area and brought to the main warehouse where it is sorted into emergency food boxes to be distributed to those in crisis who are unable to feed their families.

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Food is also donated by generous members of the general public through public appeals at Tesco Northcott, and Tesco staff have been extremely supportive of the project.

Food packages are issued on receipt of a voucher, which individuals can obtain from a social worker, health visitor, church minister or doctor. Vouchers are also available from the Citizens Advice Bureau and some local schools.

To find out more about how to become a Referral Agent, contact the Newtownabbey Foodbank at [email protected]

Anyone who would like more information about the Newtownabbey Foodbank should log on to www.newtownabbey.foodbank.org.uk or email [email protected]

For more information about Abbots Cross Presbyterian Church, click on www.acpc.co.uk or email [email protected]

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