More than 100 families in the Carrickfergus area are set to receive additional support through a new partnership between Power NI and local foodbank Woodlands Food Table.
Northern Ireland’s leading energy provider has donated £1,000 for the charity, meaning essential services can be maintained for those individuals and families who are in need.
The donation was awarded through the company’s Brighter Communities Fund and is set to be used to provide weekly food parcels to those known to in greatest need of the help.
Woodlands Food Table launched during the COVID-19 lockdown to provide accessible food support without the barriers linked to other referral systems. Its no questions asked approach ensures that anyone in need can access help in a dignified and inclusive way.
Ashleigh O’Neill – Senior Marketing and Communications Executive at Power NI – said: “Through our Brighter Communities Fund, we are proud to support organisations that provide vital, practical help to people who need it most. Woodlands Food Table plays an important role in ensuring local families can access nutritious food in a welcoming and supportive environment. We are delighted this funding will help the group continue its invaluable work – and sustain the essential services it provides to the local community.”
The funding will enable Woodlands Food Table to continue offering a comprehensive range of healthy food options, helping families prepare balanced meals and support their wellbeing during challenging times. Demand for the service remains consistently high, with many households relying on weekly food parcels in order to meet their basic needs.
The group currently distributes up to 25 bags of essential groceries each week, at a cost of around £9 per bag. With Power NI’s donation, that means 111 bags can be handed out and address the decline in food supplies that is currently being place on local foodbanks.
Wendy Boyd, the current Treasurer at Woodlands Food Table in Carrickfergus, welcomed the £1,000 Power NI donation, saying: “This support is going to make a huge difference to those people in Carrickfergus who need a helping hand to feed their families. As we rely solely on donations, this funding allows us to continue our work and provide more bags of essential groceries each week to anyone who needs them – no questions asked.”
Power NI’s Brighter Communities scheme supports local organisations that energise communities across Northern Ireland. Over the last eight years, more than £100,000 has been awarded to help projects like Woodlands Food Table continue their valuable work.
Find out more on how Power NI is energising local communities.
