Efforts to alleviate food poverty among families living in the greater Coleraine area by the Reset Social Supermarket have been boosted by a £5,000 donation from Choice Housing, one of Northern Ireland’s largest independent housing providers.

Awarded through the housing provider’s Tenant Support Fund, the money is going to support a membership programme for local people experiencing food insecurity.

On average, a team of twenty-five volunteers assist around 422 individuals each month, including approximately 220 through its food bank and another 67 through Reset.

Support is provided to a wide range of people all affected in some way by poverty, and includes families, individuals who are unemployed or on benefits, as well as those who are in work but struggling to make ends meet due to the on-going issue of food inflation.

Coordinated from Vineyard Compassion’s Centre in Hillmans Way, Reset allows individuals to access fresh, frozen, and cupboard food as well as toiletries and household cleaning products by paying a small, weekly subscription for a period of up to six months.

For a household of two adults and two children, £10 a week can provide between £30 and £40 of food, with clients able to shop at the Reset Social Supermarket in person or online. Also included in the membership is a wraparound service that empowers people to make financial decisions to bring about stability, create positive habits, and improve home life.

Choice’s Financial Inclusion Manager, Aidan McCrea, said: “This support will go directly towards helping local individuals and families experiencing food insecurity gain access to affordable, nutritious food and essential household items. In a time when the cost of living continues to put pressure on low-income households, we feel this type of practical, community-focused intervention is timely and incredibly impactful.

“Reset’s holistic, wraparound model equips people with the tools and support they need to break the cycle of poverty for the long-term,” he continued. “We commend volunteers’ ongoing commitment to uplifting communities and working alongside local partners to ensure that no individual or family living in Coleraine must face food insecurity alone.”

Choice Housing

New research carried out by anti-poverty charity Trussell shows that food insecurity in all eleven local council areas has increased since 2022, with one-in-five households experiencing food insecurity last year, 130,000 of which were of primary and secondary school age.

The charity also found that as many as six in ten people who suffered with food insecurity chose not to turn to any form of charitable food provider for help, support, or signposting.

Ricky Wright, CEO at Vineyard Compassion, said: “On behalf of everyone at Vineyard Compassion, we’d like to express our heartfelt thanks to Choice for their generous £5000 donation to support our Social Supermarket. This contribution will have a direct and lasting impact on individuals and families across Coleraine who are struggling with the rising cost of living.

“At Vineyard Compassion, we believe that every person deserves the opportunity to move from crisis to their full potential, and Choice’s support helps make that possible. We are deeply grateful to Choice and its supporters for investing in the wellbeing of our local community. The money will be used to support food provision within Vineyard Compassion, helping us to continue offering affordable food to individuals and families in need. This vital contribution from Choice will ensure that we can maintain stock levels and extend practical assistance to those experiencing financial hardship,” added Ricky.