Foodbank holdsninth collection

In a statement, Mr Dickson said: “I am delighted to support the ninth Neighbourhood Food Collection.

“The partnership between Tesco, the Carrickfergus Foodbank, the Trussell Trust and Fareshare has helped provide more than 2.8 million meals to people in need.

Carrickfergus Foodbank gave 988 people a three-day emergency supply last year.

It operates through a voucher referral system and relies on the support of the community for food donations, volunteers and finance.

Mr Dickson continued: “The work of the volunteers, Tesco staff and the incredible generosity of customers is an example for us all.

“I am a great supporter of this charity and the Trussell Trust, which provides support and three days’ emergency food to more than one million people, including 400,000 children.

“It is even more important as Tory cuts begin to bite and as we migrate from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to Personal Independent Payment (PIP), and people are disallowed a benefit, that such a safety net, no matter how unpalatable, exists for people who find themselves at a very low ebb.

“I was delighted to observe Tesco customers including children giving so generously and to discuss the ethos of foodbanks with Carrickfergus Foodbank volunteers Elizabeth Nicholl and Jill McIlreany.

“Just where would some people be without those who are willing to give so freely of their time to assist those who are in such dire need?

“If anyone have a genuine need for the services of the Carrickfergus Foodbank, they can access the service through my constituency office on 028 9335 0286”.