A massive thank you from new Lisburn foodbank

The foodbank is being supported by the Trussell Trust, which operates 400 foodbanks in the UK.

The Trussell Trust has partnered with Tesco to hold ‘National Collection Days’ throughout the year and the Lisburn store at Bentrim Road recently held a collection day to support the recently established food bank here.

Tesco customers buy non perishable items from a ‘Shopping List’ and drop them at the ‘Collection Point’.

The items are packed into crates by volunteers and taken to the warehouse to be weighed.

Tesco value every kilogram of food collected at £1.68 and give the Foodbank a 30% cash back, which can be spent in store to support the Foodbank.

Trussell Trust Network Foodbanks work with front-line care professionals like doctors, Social Services etc who hold and issue vouchers to those in short term crisis. A voucher entitles the holder to three days worth of food and up to three vouchers can be given in a six month period.

Last weekend Lisburn Foodbank had 38 volunteers who manned the Bentrim Road collection, ably assisted by Tesco management and staff. An incredible total of over 2,500kgs of food was generously donated by Tesco customers. Since April this year Tesco customers have donated over 6,000kgs of food to help those in short term crisis.

Brian Agnew, chairperson of Lisburn Foodbank, said: “Lisburn is setting an example of the great things that can be achieved when charities, community and corporate business come together for the good of the city.”

Lisburn Foodbank is located in the old Tone n Ten building in Graham Gardens and is manned by volunteers.

The foodbank currently operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 11am and 1pm.

Tesco Community Champion Ann Broome has been liaising with Lisburn Foodbank to make the collection weekends the success that they have become.

“Once again thank you to the people of Lisburn for your generosity,” added Brian.