Member's statement: Food Banks/Storm Darragh

Member's statement by Mr Timothy Gaston on 9 December 2024.

MLA

Mr Timothy Gaston

Party at the time

Traditional Unionist Voice

Date

9 December 2024

Type

Member's statement

Business

Members' Statements

Heading

Food Banks/Storm Darragh

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 4697924

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I pay tribute to the many food banks across Northern Ireland and highlight the vital work that those organisations do to ensure that those in need do not go hungry. Over the past number of years, I have worked closely with my local food bank to support multiple families in the Ballymena area who have found themselves in difficulty. During this season of goodwill, there can be an increased focus on such causes, but the reality is that this is a matter that needs to be supported 12 months of the year. I have witnessed first-hand the incredible work that the food bank volunteers do all year round to ensure that those who find themselves struggling have somewhere to reach out to for support and advice. My constituency office, as well as being registered to issue food bank vouchers, is now a registered food bank drop-off point, which not only promotes the charity but enables people who can donate to do so during opening hours. With the current cost-of-living pressures, many people find themselves choosing between heating their home and eating. I urge anyone who has the resources to support those struggling to do so through buying an extra item when out shopping or by donating directly to the food bank to allow it to source the critical items on which it is running low. As the author of 'The Pilgrim's Progress' observed:

"You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you."

There will be many this season with nothing under the Christmas tree and little in the cupboards. I trust that those who are blessed with extra provision will support their local food bank to ensure that no one goes hungry this Christmas. Mr Speaker, while I am on my feet, I pay tribute to those who braved the elements of Storm Darragh over the weekend to keep the country moving. I pay particular tribute and give particular thanks to the staff of Northern Ireland Electricity who worked hard day and night to restore power to thousands of households throughout the weekend and to keep people such as me updated when we sought updates for those placed on the critical connection list. I also highlight the work of the farming community and pay tribute to it. The farming community has also braved the elements to clear the roads of fallen trees and debris. Many roads would still be blocked were it not for those people and their help. At a time when the Labour Government have treated farmers so badly and when, once again, the local community was in need, farmers answered the call.

443 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Not flagged

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 11:40 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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