Need for foodbanks on the rise in Lisburn

During a four month period, the number of emergency food supply parcels made up in Lisburn Foodbank went up by over 100, compared to the same period the previous year.

Between April and September 2015, Lisburn Foodbank made up 329 three day emergency food supplies compared to 207 during the same period last year.

Nationally, between April and September 2015, Trussell Trust foodbanks gave over 506,000 three days food supplies to people in crisis, compared to 493,000 during the same period in 2014.

Between April and September 2015, Lisburn Foodbank provided three day emergency food supplies to 812 people in crisis, 338 of which were children.

The latest figures published by the Trussell Trust nationally show foodbanks provided 506,369 three day emergency food supplies to people in crisis between April and September 2015, compared to 492,641 people in the same period last year.

On average, people needed 1.7 foodbank referrals in this six month period, meaning that 297,864 people nationally are likely to have been unique users.

Local Foodbank Manager Mary Agnew, believes more needs to be done to reduce numbers of people needing the foodbank in Lisburn.

“This is no longer a third world problem, it is right here on our doorstep,” she said.

“Our neighbours, our families, our loved ones, it could be any of us having to use this service.”

In the last six months local people in Lisburn donated 9.7 tonnes of food to Lisburn foodbank, and over 100 people volunteered.

Lisburn Foodbank is currently asking in particular for donations of toiletries, Christmas items including selection boxes, chocolate, tinned puddings, biscuits, Christmas Crackers