A community foodbank in Co Down has seen an increase in need for its service over the number of years.
Fountain Foodbank, in Downpatrick, operates out of the local Presbyterian Church Hall. It offers a lifeline for those struggling with the cost-of-living crisis - and is in need of donations heading into the colder months when heating bills and electric prices are eye-watering.
Paul McCartan, who owns McCartans Sports and McCartans Footwear, has offered his businesses to allow for donations of foodbank items to be dropped off to them. Their team will then take items to the foodbank, as well as signpost to others that help is available.
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Speaking to Belfast Live, Paul said the generosity of the Downpatrick community has been something to shout about.
"About three years ago we seen there was a need for us to do a little bit of help and we decided to open both shops to receive donations for the foodbank," he added.
"We found in the three years, talking to the foodbank, the need for the foodbank has tripled in that time. As we head into the winter, not only people who are disadvantaged, working class people are also going to need the foodbank, so it is more important than ever.
"We receive donations and I then leave them up on a Friday. We also receive some monetary donations and we will add to that and do shopping, when needed.
"It is an essential and more needed than ever.
"The generosity of the people of Downpatrick has been phenomenal. They are absolutely brilliant and I am talking about ordinary people maybe coming in with two tins of beans saying they are embarrassed to come in. By all means, come in with the two tins of beans - it means a lot.
"There has been a phenomenal response but it is going to have to continue as we head through this particular winter.
"People are wonderful and this winter it is about looking out for your neighbour, checking that they are OK. If you think there's no heat on, no smoke coming from the chimney, you know they are in bother."
Fountain Foodbank coordinator Shirley Lennon told Belfast Live that while they have been blown away by donations, they hope to see it continue in the months ahead.
"The foodbank started back in 2015 and we are a cross community foodbank operating out of Downpatrick Presbyterian Church on Fountain Street," Shirley added.
"We have seen a demand increase since the beginning, because people know we are here but also because times have become very hard for people. We have a great team of volunteers who run the foodbank and we do rely very heavily on donations coming in from the community.
"The area we serve is mainly Downpatrick, but we also go further around the Lecale area, so we would go to Ardglass, Strangford, Ballyhornan and Bishopscourt. At the moment we are giving out on average around 30 parcels per week and that can be to individuals or to families up to five or six and even more.
"In the last month, the foodbank has noticed an increase and before the pandemic we would be giving out 12 parcels per week. We have seen people coming to the foodbank who have never needed to use a foodbank before. We are helping people who are working and who are on benefits, and neither's moneys are stretching.
"The community of Downpatrick have been very good. People who are in a position to, can donate directly to the foodbank when we are open on a Friday morning, but also through our donation points in supermarkets and churches too.
"For anybody who is in need of support, we will do all we can. If they have never used a foodbank before and they really need help, they can ring our number on 07444015883 or contact us by email at fountainfoodbank@gmail.com but we work through partner agencies too and referrals can be made through them.
"We want to get the message out, that there is help out there."
For more information on Fountain Foodbank, please visit their page here.
Video by Belfast Live videographer Harry Bateman.
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