MORE than 23,000 food packages have been delivered to vulnerable people across Northern Ireland in just two weeks.
The parcels have been distributed from 24 centres established by councils as well as voluntary and community groups.
Let by the Department for Communities, the service has been in operation since April 7 to help people in need and 23,480 parcels had been delivered by Wednesday.
The food packages are delivered to hubs and then distributed by council employees, often working with local organisations.
Communities minister Deirdre Hargey praised the work of those involved in preparing and delivering the parcels as she yesterday visited centres yesterday.
Alongside deputy first minister Michelle O’Neill, she attended Mid Ulster district council’s food distribution centre in Cookstown.
Earlier in the day, Ms Hargey also saw first-hand the contribution being made by voluntary and community groups during her visit to174 Trust in north Belfast.
A food hub has been set up in Duncairn Arts Centre.
She also visited a food bank in south Belfast supported by volunteers of local groups Bredagh GAC, Rosario Football Club and Youth Centre, Ormeau Boxing Club and Rosetta Area Community Group.
She met with representatives at the facility in the Good Shepherd Church on the Ormeau Road.
Ms Hargey said: "These are very challenging times for all of us, however, there are those in society who are facing the added pressure of self-isolating and some facing food insecurity and this service is absolutely vital in helping to alleviate that pressure.
"I have been impressed with how quickly and effectively partners have pulled together to mobilise this scheme.
"It was heartening to hear from those delivering the food parcels to the door of those in need of the positive impact the service is having on their lives at this difficult time."
