Causeway Coast & Glens Council to fund three social supermarkets across the Borough

At a Leisure and Development Committee meeting on Tuesday, September 17, members agreed to release £97,028 in funding from the Department for Communities (DfC).

The Social Supermarket (SSM) Pilot Programme has been operated by DfC since October 2017, with the aim of offering a longer-term, sustainable response to food insecurity.

Following a positive evaluation of the pilot programme, DfC has extended the Social Supermarket Support Fund (SSMSF) programme to all of Northern Ireland, to be delivered through councils, and this year’s funding has increased by 64.25% from the £57,073 received in 2023-24.

Funding will be allocated to Limavady Community Development Initiative (LCDI), who will receive £40,844; Vineyard Compassion, receiving £34,900, and St Vincent DePaul Cushendall, who receive £10,642.

The remaining £10,642 will be held by council for the Ballycastle area, pending the outcome of discussions with organisations that have submitted an expression of interest.

SDLP Councillor Ashleen Schenning said it was refreshing to see a budget increase when “everything else is being cut around us”, while UUP Councillor Darryl Wilson said more council and DfC promotion was need to “signpost those in need to these programmes that are ongoing”.

“Elected representatives will sometimes come under heavy fire from members of the public for various reasons so I think it’s very important to show good work that we’re doing,” he said.

Head of Community and Culture, Julie Welsh, said the council’s ‘Where to Turn’ campaign offered advice to the public around energy costs, fuel support, and food support.