Almost four children a day receive emergency supplies from a food bank in Upper Bann.
The shocking figures revealed that 3,300 three-day emergency food supplies were handed out in the area in the 12 months between April 1, 2018 and March 31, 2019.
A staggering 1,327 of these were given to children.
Upper Bann MLA Carla Lockhart described the figures as “shocking” and “disturbing”.
“There is so much wastage of food in our society and it must make us all think twice before throwing food out when some people are having to go to food banks,” said Ms Lockhart.
“This is something that needs tackled as a matter of urgency.
“We do need to get an Executive in Northern Ireland so a local minister can deal with this problem. We have been left in limbo for too long.
“It is not unique to Upper Bann but when it is so close to home it brings it into sharper focus.
“We have some very dedicated people who staff the food banks and their work is invaluable.
“It is something we can all tackle with food donations at our local supermarkets or to the food banks directly.
“I would encourage the local supermarkets to publicise the areas where donations can be made and if they don’t offer this facility to do so.”
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