Community effort helps provide food throughout Newtownabbey

More than 750 food boxes supplied by the Department for Communities are being delivered each week to vulnerable residents of Antrim and Newtownabbey.
Providing support throughout the community. (stock image).Providing support throughout the community. (stock image).
Providing support throughout the community. (stock image).

Approximately 50 voluntary and community organisations are providing support during the Coronavirus crisis with backing from the borough council.

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has released £1.5m to the province’s 11 local authorities and pledged further financial aid in response to Covid-19.

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She said: “I recognise councils have a unique community insight and reach at grassroots level and are well-placed to ensure that citizens receive much needed help.

“This money will provide assistance to those at risk due to financial stress; ensuring access to food for those most in need and to help connect those living alone or in in rural and border areas that are likely to experience greater challenges in accessing services.

“This £1.5m is an initial tranche of money, and more will follow.”

The Minister said that she was listening to pleas for financial help from “grassroots organisations” that are working with vulnerable people and that she is “looking at a wide range of ways to support them”.

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A spokesperson for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council said: “The council is supporting around 50 voluntary and community organisations engaged in COVID-19 relief effort.

“These responses have been from a wide range of sectors spread right across the borough including sporting clubs, churches and community associations.

“Council support has been in the form of small grants, advice, co-ordination and redeployed staff.

“Many of the groups are also engaged with the delivery of over 750 food boxes per week provided by Department for Communities. These boxes are being targeted at the most vulnerable people, those who are housebound and those who lack other community and family support.”

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The Minister added: “I am heartened but not surprised by the tireless dedication and commitment of people from all walks of life who have stepped forward to help our vulnerable citizens with deliveries of food and medicine so that they can remain safely in their homes.

“Over the coming weeks, we will all rely on this selfless commitment of many volunteers as our local councils continue to work with the sector to ensure that helps gets to where it is most needed.”

by Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter