'It looks like it’s going to be a really difficult winter for many families who have been repeatedly failed.”
Cllr Paul Doherty operates Foodstock, a community solidarity hub on the Andersonstown Road. He said over half-term, as schools were off for Halloween, referrals to their food bank were up around 300%.
Looking ahead to the Christmas period, which is typically busy in their food bank, he said it's shaping up to be another difficult winter for families. “This sudden spike during the school holidays is clearly linked to the lack of support for parents and the decision to axe holiday hunger payments. Free school meals are a vital lifeline for many families in this community and when that safety net is removed some families face a real struggle to put food on the table.
“We’ll do everything we can to support people, we are lucky to have a fantastic team of volunteers and supporters who give selflessly to step up and help people where government has failed. Christmas is by far the busiest time of year for us and it looks like it’s going to be a really difficult winter for many families who have been repeatedly failed.”
Cost Of Living Andersonstown SDLP
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
ICC Belfast becomes new home for Moy Park Belfast City Marathon Pack CollectionThe Moy Park Belfast City Marathon has a new home for the expo and pack collection
Read more »
Latest Belfast news & opinion from Belfast LiveGet the latest Belfast News updates from the Belfast Live news team.
Read more »
What's On: What's On news and reviews from across BelfastFind out what's on across Belfast including music, film, comedy and theatre from Belfast Live
Read more »
Belfast Live: Latest Belfast News, sport & celebrity newsThe latest news from Belfast and Northern Ireland. Covering Belfast News, sport, opinion, celebrity news and much more.
Read more »
M2 in Belfast reopens following two-vehicle crashPSNI officers asked motorists to avoid the area near the Nelson Street slip road
Read more »
Legal bid to stop demolition of Belfast Boyne Bridge “doomed to failure'Sandy Row bridge's demolition part of Grand Central Station project
Read more »