NI Government to deliver food to the vulnerable

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said a new weekly service will see 10,000 food boxes delivered.

The deliveries are due to begin in the “coming days”, she said.

The parcels will be delivered to “vulnerable people who have been notified to shield by their GPs”, those who cannot afford food, and those who “do not have access to local support”.

The parcels will contain mainly non-perishable goods and will be delivered directly to the door.

Minister Hargey said: “Initial volumes for food provision are 10,000 packages per week, however there will be the ability to change this number up or down as required based on data from the COVID-19 Community Helpline, local partnership groups and councils which are best placed to identify those in immediate need of food insecurity.”

She continued: “Not only will it ensure that the most vulnerable do not go without but it will allow those at risk of social isolation to see a friendly face and know that we as a society have not forgotten about them.”

The department for communities say food suppliers will provide the boxes, containing items such as canned food, dried food and soap alongside fresh fruit and bread, to local councils during the lockdown.