A food bank in Co Fermanagh has been seeing higher demand than ever before as it thanked the local community for its donations and volunteer efforts.
The Enniskillen Food Bank says it has given out food to 77% more people this year so far - and that’s before the depths of winter have arrived.
With the cost of living crisis and rising energy costs taking hold in the weeks leading up to Christmas, the food bank was busy with volunteers preparing emergency food support for people across the county.
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The group were preparing to set up shop in Belleek again in the afternoon to serve those in the West of Co Fermanagh.
Food bank manager John Shades said they have now helped more than a thousand more people compared to the same time last year.
“In the same time last year from April to November, we fed over 1400 individuals, and it’s over 2,600 as of yesterday for this year,” John told Belfast Live.
“That’s a 77% increase so things are busy, it’s a bit hectic and our shelves are a lot emptier than they would normally be.
“If we get a colder winter then we are going to see an increase in that people are going to see increased energy costs, so we will expect a surge in the winter time.
“It’s really difficult and especially for people who have children and then when you’re hearing that people are struggling with the price of electric and oil, it really pulls on your heartstrings a wee bit.
John heaped praise on the many volunteers who were putting the shoulder to the wheel at the Cross Street premises.
“They’re the best group of volunteers ever. They never complain, they never whinge, they never moan and they just get on with it.
“A lot of them are here because they’ve experienced difficulty or they just want to give something back to the community.
“They’re fantastic and if it wasn’t for them I would be here doing it on my own.
The food bank manager also said it wouldn’t be able to feed the thousands of people it does without the support of the local community.
“Eleven years ago we started in my dining room, just my wife and I had a real heart for people who were in need.
“It’s just grown legs and obviously the level of need here is significant so we’re just glad to be able to help.
“We’re trying to do what we can and if we didn’t have volunteers we wouldn’t be able to do it.
“I think a lot of people will discredit the communities we live in, but I’d love to just highlight that the community here has been outstanding, they have just stepped up.
“Everybody’s feeling the pinch and they continue to step up again. I just want to say a massive thank you to them for their support.
“The food they donate, the volunteering hours they give and also financial donations - they’re just the best.”
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