Community responds to food bank closure
By Maurice Garvey
SERVICES in Ballyfermot responded to the closure of a food bank by combining their resources to provide weekly deliveries and additional supports for those in need during the pandemic.
As reported in The Echo last week, the food bank run by the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) in Cherry Orchard was forced to close due to a lack of manpower in dealing with the Covid-19 crisis.
Marie Cronin, St Vincent de Paul vice-president with food bank volunteers
“A lot of the SVP people are older so between the Partnership, Dublin City Council, gardai and De La Salle GAA, we said we’ll row in behind you on this,” said Anne Fitzgerald, CEO Ballyfermot Chapelizod Partnership.
“The food bank is in a number of locations. We are not doing collections but we will deliver.”
SVP are still funding the service – food, drivers etc.
Marie Cronin, SVP vice-president of the area said: “We are spending time getting extra food from wholesalers, and we haven’t stopped sending vouchers out to people.”
Anne Fitzgerald, CEO Ballyfermot Chapelizod Partnership
The service covers people who were on the SVP food bank list, shopping and pharmacy delivery to over-70s and those in self-isolation.
“If they have to self-isolate, we can work out a payment,” said Partnership CEO Ms Fitzgerald.
“We also offer advice about services in the area, assistance or a chat. Our staff are working on a rota. A lot of Department of Social Protection forms have moved online, we can help them with that if they struggle with that side of things.
“All groups in Ballyfermot are collectively working together, schools are delivering food, it is a good overall response. The Ballyfermot Star is still open, as is Fusion and the youth services.”
Cllr Daithí Doolan (SF) welcomed the move: “The Ballyfermot community has responded brilliantly. People have rolled up their sleeves to coordinate a community response. Identifying vulnerable adults, older people, children and families in Ballyfermot, Cherry Orchard and Chapelizod. Well done to all involved.”
Food parcels are to begin deliveries on Thursday or Friday this week. Ms Fitzgerald hopes it will become weekly thereafter.
Ballyfermot Partnership is open from 9.30am to 7pm weekdays and 10am to 12noon Saturday, contact their helpline 623 5612 for further information.
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