Carrickfergus Foodbank – Member in Focus #43

May 10, 2021

Interview with Alex Moore from Carrickfergus Foodbank.

Tell us a bit about yourself and/or your organisation.

Hi my name is Alex and I work part-time as the project co-ordinator for Carrickfergus Foodbank. I’m passionate about the work of the foodbank and we have seen many families and individuals receive support since the foodbank opened in December 2014.

How well have you/your organisation adapted to the pandemic?

Carrickfergus Foodbank remained open throughout the pandemic, initially we had reduced volunteers and many hurdles to cross with the restrictions and setting various measures in place to keep clients and volunteers safe. BUT we kept going and were amazed how the community pulled together and even in the toughest of times our donations increased which then enabled us to meet the increase in demand for our service.

How well have people/organisations in your area collaborated throughout the pandemic?

WOW!!! It was so amazing how the community and various organisations worked together. Isn’t that what it is all about being able to support, help and show kindness and compassion and hope through the hardest of times. The foodbank not only was able to provide food parcels but to support various organisations working and helping those most vulnerable in our community. If your organisation runs programmes to help support people and there is an area where non-perishable food items or in some cases toiletries etc are required in the Carrickfergus area please check with the foodbank we may be able to support you. Eg Doorsteps Dinners (Carrickfergus Vineyard) were providing hot meals throughout the pandemic, the foodbank was able to provide pasta, rice, tinned tomatoes etc they also supplied breakfast packs and the foodbank helped with cereal, coffee, tea etc and various other food items.
Other organisations who have been helped are Carrickfergus YMCA who do an amazing work with young people, the foodbank helped supply snacks and treats, CAP Christians Against Poverty were providing food hampers in their area and the foodbank helped supply some of the non-perishable food items. Flourish NI who deal with many people who have been trafficked into Northern Ireland we were able to support with some basic non-perishable food items.

What key needs are becoming apparent and/or are likely to arise this year?

We anticipate that at the end of the furlough scheme sadly we will see many more families and individuals struggling and needing support. Our aim is to continue to raise awareness of the service that Carrickfergus Foodbank offers and with your help remove the stigma of accessing a foodbank.

We are so glad of services like Community Network NI that helps raise awareness of support and link various groups together in the common goal of helping our communities.

ASK: What do you need, right now, that the members of Community Network NI and/or the wider community may be able to help you with?

Raise awareness of the foodbank service, that it is available to anyone who is struggling and in need of support and to help remove the stigma of accessing the foodbank service that every client is treated with respect and confidentiality.

If you would like to respond to this ask, please follow the link below and enter “Carrickfergus Foodbank” to the first field.

OFFER: What support are you currently offering and are you open to members of Community Network NI and/or the wider community making contact?

Carrickfergus Foodbank is available to organisations in our area who would like to become a referral agency for the foodbank or would like further information on the support we provide.

If you would like to be connected with this offer of support, please follow the link below and enter “Carrickfergus Foodbank” to the first field.