ENNISKILLEN Food Bank will be opening three days a week from next Monday to accommodate the rise in demand for the service each winter.
For the last three years the drop-in service has only operated on Wednesdays.
But with an increase in the number of food donations, as well as the number of people calling to avail of the service, it is hoped the additional opening hours will reach out to those most in need.
“The demand on the drop in service doubles every winter,” says Paul Dixon, Food Bank Manager.
“On top of that, because we work with a number of different agencies, we also have a number of referrals each week too.” From Monday next week, November 23, the food bank located at Lakes Vineyard Church on Cross Street in Enniskillen, will be open Mondays from 6pm to 8pm, Wednesdays from 10am to 12pm and Fridays from 2pm to 4pm.
Originally known as Inside Out Community Food Centre, Enniskillen Food Bank’s name change coincides with the fact that it is now a member of the Trussell Trust. Currently, 16 volunteers share the responsibilities that come with delivering the food bank on a weekly basis. “The food bank is growing,” says Paul, “We are getting more food, and we have noticed there are more people coming in to collect food, too.
“On average during the summer time we would have around 12 people coming in a week. There is an assumption that the people who use this service are all on benefits -- that is not the case.
“We have people coming here who are struggling to pay mortgages. people with children to feed. They may have lost their job and are faced with the choice of ‘Heat or Eat’. “We base our food distribution on need and take into account that ‘need’ can be stretched across the board. In winter time we could see 24 to 26 people each week.”
In the run up to Christmas the food bank is also hoping to organise hampers. Paul has appealed for food donations as well as financial support to achieve this. “We are just the middle man for the local community,” he says, “It is the public who make this happen through their generous donations.” Food donations can be left in the collection points at Asda, Tesco and Rooney’s Spar in Enniskillen or contact 07706499724 to arrange a drop off. This is also the number for those wanting to arrange to collect food.