Increase in numbers using Foyle Food Bank

Foyle Foodbank has taken a number of precautions to protect its volunteer workforce, many of whom are elderly and give of their time selflessly to provide a service to those in food crisis.

Shopping in the food bank’s supermarket and access to the cafe has been suspended. Users have been asked to present their food bank vouchers outside the premises and food parcels will then be brought to their car by volunteers.

The parcels will reflect family size and contain a nutritionally balanced three day supply of food.

Any user who has corona type symptoms should ask their referral agency or some-one else to collect the food parcels from the food bank on their behalf.

Denis McGowan, Chairman of Foyle Foodbank, said: “We are acutely aware that additional demands will be placed on Foyle Foodbank during the difficult months ahead. 

“Already we are seeing greater numbers of users coming to our door. Thanks to the great generosity of local people, particularly over the Christmas period, Foyle Foodbank is currently well stocked and able to continue to help all those in food crisis for the immediate period.

However, as we are in unprecedented times, we respectfully ask all members of the public to continue to support our efforts by donating food at our two collection points in Sainsburys, Meadowbank and Tesco, Strand Road where the great people of this city have shown such generosity and empathy since the food bank was set up in 2016.”

Mr McGowan asked that those persons and organisations issuing food bank vouchers continue to exercise rigour to ensure that all donated food goes to those in genuine need.

“Such controls are necessary in spite of the pressures of these challenging times but anyone in food crisis and particularly those who now find themselves in this situation for the first time, should not delay in coming to us,” he added.