Trussell’s strategy to end the need for foodbanks

Pictured, left to right: Helen Barnard Trussell Director of Policy, Research and Impact, Professor Jamie Murphy (ADRCNI) Junior Minister Joanne Bunting, Junior Minister Aisling Reilly, co-sponsor Colm Gilderew MLA (co-sponsor Sian Mulholland MLA not in photo), and Edel Diamond, foodbank manager of South-West Belfast Foodbank.

As part of the wider Trussell Network working towards ending the need for foodbanks has become a hot topic.  Instead of seeing members of our community languishing in the cycle of poverty that they often find themselves in we feel it’s incumbent upon our Executive to make the necessary changes for the betterment of others.  This involves a collaborative effort (on our part) with other agencies coming across the same issues we see others presenting with.  We can then inform our Executive, who can then set out to implement an anti-poverty strategy that’s fit for purpose and has cross party unanimous support.

As part of the Pathways group to end the need for foodbanks South-West Belfast attended Stormont for the launch of the Pledge to end food poverty with various MLAs in attendance.  It was extremely encouraging to see great cross party support for this and many signatures were added in support of the pledge.  We were also encouraged that our local MLAs were in attendance and not only signed the pledge but took time to speak on this issue to those in attendance.  There was also time for important chat afterwards.

Ending the need for foodbanks in of itself may seem ambitious but these events are needed to keep these issues current, pressing and fresh in the minds of Government.  To continue to highlight the plights of others as those with lived experience share their stories with us is a necessary evil, in essence for the greater good.

We as a foodbank, while providing the emergency assistance that we do will always do all we can working behind the scenes to continue influencing policy change within our own Executive and on a national level.

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