Nearest foodbanks in Northern Ireland

May 23, 2018

It is estimated that 1 in 5 people in Northern Ireland live below the poverty line. As a result an increasing number of people in Northern Ireland, and across the UK, rely on the emergency food supplies provided by food banks. More than 32,000 3 day food parcels were handed out in 2017/18 in Northern Ireland alone, with over 13,000 of these going to children.

Why do people in Northern Ireland use food banks?

The reasons that people use food banks are complex and varied, but it is estimated that around 45% of the referrals to foodbanks were from people on low incomes or benefits who were unable to make ends meet. Many people blame the delays and issues with the roll out of the new Universal Credit benefits system for the rise in the number of people requiring the help of food banks, and certainly there is a skew towards people either living with disabilities or illnesses along with families with children and single parents being the most likely groups to use food banks.

How to access the services of a food bank in Northern Ireland

If you are one of the many people in Northern Ireland who are struggling to put enough food on the table and feel that a food bank may be able to help you, it is important to understand how they work.

There are numerous different food banks operating across Northern Ireland (find a comprehensive list below) and many of these operate on a referral voucher basis. This means that you will be referred to a food bank by one of the local agencies that you may have dealings with, such as Citizen’s Advice, health visitors or children’s centres. The staff will take some basic details from you and complete a voucher which can then be exchanged at your local food bank for a 3 day food parcel.

It is important to check how your local food bank operates before just turning up, as different food banks may operate differently.

Where is my nearest Northern Ireland food bank?

There are numerous food banks operating across Northern Ireland. Many of these are operated by The Trussell Trust, who can point you in the direction of your local food bank. Information about available food banks can also be found via your local Citizen’s Advice Centre.

Food banks can also be found at the following locations:

Ballymena Food Bank (Trussell Trust)

Green Pastures, The Peoples Church, Fenaghy Road, Galgorm, Ballymena, BT42 1AQ

Tel: 02825650123, Email: info@ballymena.foodbank.org.uk  Website: http://ballymena.foodbank.org.uk/

Ballymoney Food Bank (Trussell Trust)

Unit 1 Silversprings Shopping Centre, Ballymoney, BT53 6RD

Tel: 07565840571, Email: info@ballymoney.foodbank.org.uk  Website: http://ballymoney.foodbank.org.uk/

Besom Northern Ireland Ballynahinch

*Contact to confirm food bank operation*

Tel: 02897 566 700 Email: office@ballynahinchbaptist.org

Bangor Food Bank (Trussell Trust)

Bangor Food Bank, Bangor Elim Church, Balloo Crescent, Bangor, BT19 7WP

Tel: 02891 271800, Email: info@bangorNI.foodbank.org.uk  Website: www.bangorNI.foodbank.org.uk

Carrickfergus Food Bank (Trussell Trust)

75 Woodburn Road, Carrickfergus, Co Antrim, BT38 8PS

Tel: 02893 438475, Email: info@carrickfergus.foodbank.org.uk

Website: https://carrickfergus.foodbank.org.uk/

Causeway Food Bank (Trussell Trust)

The Vineyard Centre, 10 Hillmans Way, Ballycastle Road, Coleraine, BT52 2ED

Tel: 028 7032 6161, Email: melanie@vineyardcompassion.co.uk  Website: http://causeway.foodbank.org.uk

Craigavon Area Food Bank (Trussell Trust)

The Lightwell Centre, Drumgor Heights, Craigavon, Co. Armagh, BT65 5BW

Tel: 0845 2000 136, Email: info@craigavonfoodbank.com

Website: http://craigavonarea.foodbank.org.uk/

Dundonald Food Bank (Trussell Trust)

Unit 20, Colvin House, Castlereagh, Enterprise Ltd, Carrowreagh Rd, Dundonald, BT16 1QT

Tel: 07514 213900, Email: info@dundonald.foodbank.org.uk  Website: http://dundonald.foodbank.org.uk/

Enniskillen Food Bank (Trussell Trust)

The Lakes Vineyard Church, 6–8 Cross Street, Enniskillen, BT74 7DX

Tel: 07512 548849, Email: info@enniskillen.foodbank.org.uk

Website: https://enniskillen.foodbank.org.uk/

Foyle Food Bank (Trussell Trust)

Unit 15, Apex Living Centre, Springtown Industrial Est, Derry City, Londonderry, BT48 0LY

Tel: 02871 263699 or 07716129788, Email: foylefoodbank@gmail.com

Website: https://foyle.foodbank.org.uk/

The Larder, St Christopher’s Church, Belfast

70 Mersey St, Belfast BT4 1EW

Tel: 07970 626384, Email: info@sosbusni.com

Website: http://www.sosbusni.com/the-larder

Larne Food Bank (Trussel Trust)

Craigyhill Methodist Church, Brustin Brae Road, Larne, BT40 2HS

Tel: 074 4343 5404, Email: info@larne.foodbank.org.uk

Website: www.larne.foodbank.org.uk

Lisnaskea Food Bank

The Pantry, Oasis Book Shop, 59 Lower Main Street, Drumhaw, Lisnaskea, Fermanagh, BT92 OJD

Tel: 02867 722677

Lisburn Food Bank (Trussel Trust)

1-3 Graham Gardens, Lisburn, BT28 1XE

Tel: 07756 965868, Email: info@lisburn.foodbank.org.uk

Website: http://lisburn.foodbank.org.uk

Newry Food Bank (Trussell Trust)

Newry Christian Centre, 8 Upper Edward Street, Newry, BT35 6AX

Tel: 07512 946911, Email: info@newry.foodbank.org.uk

Website: http://newry.foodbank.org.uk/

Newtonbreda Baptist Church Food Bank

43 Newtownbreda Rd, Belfast, BT8 7BQ
Tel: 028 9064 9402, Email tim@newtownbredabaptist.com

Website: https://www.newtownbredabaptist.com/

Newtownards Food Bank (Trussell Trust)

Thriving Life Church, Movilla Road, Newtownards, BT23 3RP

Tel: 028 91813205 or 079 0293 3297, Email: info@newtownards.foodbank.org.uk  Website: www.newtownards.foodbank.org.uk

North Belfast Food Bank (Trussell Trust)

Ekenhead Halls, 19 North Circular Road, Belfast, BT15 5HB and Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 35 Agnes Street, Belfast, BT13 1GG

Tel: 07902099840, Email: info@northbelfast.foodbank.org.uk Website: http://northbelfast.foodbank.org.uk/

Strabane Food Bank

26 Market Street, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, BT82 8BH

Tel: 02871 883102, Email: strabanecommunityproject@btinternet.com  Website: http://strabane.foodbank.org.uk/

South Belfast Food Bank (Trussell Trust)

Mornington Community Project, 117 Ormeau Road, BT7 1SH
Tel: 07743 332489, Email: info@southbelfast.foodbank.org.uk
Website: http://southbelfast.foodbank.org.uk

What other help can I get?

When faced with issues of food poverty many people find themselves getting into debt simply to put enough food on the table. If you are one of the thousands of residents of Northern Ireland who are struggling with problem debt, contact the friendly experts at Northern Ireland Debt Solutions. We will take the time to understand you and your situation before finding the right solution to your debt problem and also signposting you in the direction of other relevant help and assistance.

Don’t bury your head in the sand, contact Northern Ireland Debt Solutions on 0800 470 0461 today.

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Insolvency Adviser

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