Foodbanks accepting donations to help those in need

Donations to foodbanks across Mid and East Antrim can now be left at Civic Buildings in Ballymena, Larne and Carrick.

The Borough Council has stated that it remains committed to helping its citizens receive essential services and emergency provision where required throughout the Coronavirus (COVID 19) pandemic situation and that supplies of the following basic, long-life foodstuffs are particularly welcome at this time: UHT milk, tinned tomatoes, tinned potatoes/vegetables, all sauces eg; Bolognese etc., tinned meats, dry rice, packet pasta/rice/noodles, flour, sugar, tea/coffee, cereal (multi packs), diluting juice, pet food, nappies, toiletries, gloves, hand sanitiser, cleaning products, toilet rolls, baby food, wipes and boxes to distiribute hampers to the isolated.

A Council spokesperson said: “We are thankful to the generosity of our local community who are pulling together to help those who most need it during this unprecedented public health emergency.

“Members of the public can either leave donations of food directly to the three local foodbanks, or to Ardeevin in Ballymena, Smiley Buildings in Larne, and Carrickfergus Civic Centre during specific hours for drop offs.

“We all have a part to play in protecting the most vulnerable in our society.”

In Ballymena, Ardeevin will operate Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am-1pm and Tuesday and Thursday, from 1-4.30pm.

Anyone who needs to contact Ballymena Foodbank can call 02825422543 or via http://ballymena.foodbank.org.uk/ or [email protected]

Meanwhile, Council staff have offered to help distribute food to vulnerable members of our community and those self-isolating.

Chief Executive of M&EA Council, Anne Donaghy, said: “We are in the grip of a global pandemic and this is an extremely worrying time for our entire community.

“I have been overwhelmed by the response of our Council staff, who are working around the clock to ensure our services are available to our citizens at their time of need.

“In line with the Government advice, many of our citizens are staying at home, while others are in periods of self-isolation.

“My appeal to local shops is to get in touch with Council if we can assist you with delivering food to those who are isolating, or who are otherwise unable to leave their homes to get their groceries.”

Businesses in Mid and East Antrim who could avail of Council support to distribute food to customers are asked to contact www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/covid-19/foodbanks