A Newry father has thanked a Social Supermarket from the “bottom of my heart” after he felt “guilty” for not having food for his baby.
Heartfelt evidence of the affordable food programme has also shown the benefits of mental health care provided by the same scheme.
The local authority has now increased financial support to the Social Supermarket amid a real life human story presented to the chamber this week.
The parent, known as ‘Finlay’ says: “I couldn’t have continued without this support, I just wouldn’t have managed. It has been such a help to me.
“I received essentials for the baby, something I felt so guilty not having.”
A ‘Social Supermarket’ is a shop that can sell products reduced in price by up to 70% to members who are at risk of food poverty. The main difference between a Social Supermarket and a foodbank is that the new scheme includes wrap-around services together with food supply.
The extra programme includes access to mental health, financial education and upskilling for future employment.
‘Finlay’ adds: “I felt at ease supported and cared for. I really enjoyed the relaxation classes. I needed them more than I thought. I loved it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
The Clanrye Group based in the city, runs the affordable food programme funded by the Department for Communities and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC).
The group told councillors that most of the people they help are in fact employed and are known as the “working poor”.
Since it began in September 2023, the Newry Social Supermarket has helped almost 500 individuals with a forecast to help 300 people this year alone.
NMDDC has now pledged to lobby Stormont as well as increasing financial support by almost 10% to enable programme growth.
Slieve Gullion Sinn Fein councillor, Declan Murphy said: “I commend the work that the Social Supermarket does, especially as we are going through a cost of living crisis. And those who control the public purse simply aren’t giving us the money we deserve for public services and I don’t see any sign of that improving.
“So, I think whatever we can do we should do.”
Newry City SDLP councillor, Doire Finn added: “As a local councillor I can certainly see the good work that the Social Supermarket does.
“I would like to make a proposal that this (active and health communities) committee makes itself open to writing letters of support to the Department of Health and Department for Communities on behalf of the Social Supermarket.
“We should work collaboratively in the spirit of helping people with affordable food and wrap around services.”
