Almost a tonne of food delivered each week to Derry households in need

Ciara Ferguson and her team from Greater Shantallow Area Partnership (GSAP) unpack the Fareshare food being delivered by Apex Housing Association to distribute amongst local families.

The surplus food supplies, collected by Fareshare from local supermarkets including Tesco and Asda, are being delivered by Apex to four areas (DEAs) of the city – Ballyarnett, Foyleside, The Moor and Waterside - with emergency food parcels and hot meals then being distributed by local groups.

Donna Matthewson, Apex Director of Housing, explains:“Over the last number of years we have developed an excellent relationship with Fareshare, delivering fresh food to eleven local charities on an on-going basis.”

“Recently we have seen the impact Covid-19 has had on families in this city and this new service with Fareshare has been established as a result. We are delighted to be able to assist in redirecting these vital food supplies to those who need them most. Feedback from community groups has been fantastic and we hope to continue this service for the duration of the pandemic.”

Staff from Waterside Neighbourhood Partnership unpack the Fareshare food being delivered by Apex Housing Association during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ciara Ferguson from Greater Shantallow Area Partnership commented:“This service has allowed us to provide much needed food parcels for those who have negatively impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. The food is of great quality and variety and the extra help means the world to our local families whose incomes have been reduced as a result of the pandemic.”

If you or someone you know is struggling to afford or access food during the Covid-19 pandemic, please contact your local DEA partnership office:

Outer North (Ballyarnett DEA): 028 7135 8787; Outer West (Foyleside DEA): 077 4255 5195; Triax (The Moor DEA): 028 7126 1916 and Waterside (Waterside DEA): 028 7134 2959