STAFF and families from St. Ronan’s Primary School and Nursery in Lisnaskea have come together to help the local food bank and to highlight the increasing level of food poverty in the area.

Buying bulk food items from Swift’s Eurospar in the town, they donated it to Lisnaskea’s food bank, ‘The Pantry’, where it will help with the supply for those most in need during these difficult times.

Speaking about helping out the local food bank, a spokesperson for St. Ronan’s PS and Nursery Parents, Teachers and Friends Association, said: “Lisnaskea’s local food bank, The Pantry, has seen an increase in families seeking help during the current pandemic which has put a strain on an already stretched-thin service.

“With the help of Swifts Eurospar Lisnaskea, staff and families from St. Ronan’s PS and nursery purchased an ample amount of foodstuffs, which was gratefully topped up by Swifts.”

Brian McGrath, Principal of St. Ronan’s, said food poverty is unfortunately a reality in the locality and also throughout Northern Ireland.

He said: “Too many children live below the poverty line, and a basic need such as food is not always plentiful.

“We have worked throughout lockdowns to ensure that food vouchers have been made available. The items we have purchased for the local food bank will hopefully help families which are struggling at this time.”

A worthwhile initiative

Stephen Swift, from Swift’s Eurospar, said they were delighted to support such a worthwhile initiative, especially during such difficult times, adding: “It’s always great to support people in our local communities”.

He also commended everyone working on the food bank project for their “ongoing commitment to helping local people”.

Val Irvine, from The Pantry, Lisnaskea added that the food bank is very thankful for all the support it has received from St. Ronan’s, Lisnaskea, and said it had a big impact on their supplies for helping those in need in these unprecedented times.