Over 800 families avail of Christmas food parcels
OVER 800 Co Wexford families have availed of food packages for this year’s Christmas Food appeal. That is according to County Council Chairman Michael Sheehan who has been busy in recent weeks working with FoodCloud putting them together, with the assistance of the staff of Kersia in Wexford town, and handing them out to organisations and families in need right across the county.
‘Basically, these are people who are at the edge,’ he said. ‘They are finding it difficult at this time of year paying the bills and paying for Christmas as well as making ends meet. We’ve seen people of all backgrounds. Some of them would be working, but would only have a fiver or something left at the end of the week.’
Cllr Sheehan is encouraging people who may be struggling at this time of year to reach out and not to suffer in silence.
‘I realise that for a lot of people, this can be a hard thing to do,’ he said. ‘I can assure everyone that this is something that’s dealt with discreetly and confidentially and people can get in touch with me by text and we’ll do our best to help them out. I’d also like to add that this is open to anyone who needs it, whether they are bringing in a wage or not.’
Cllr Sheehan also pointed out that €5.2million has been spent by the government on food aid this year, noting that evidently the recovery has not reached everyone.
‘These figures, while shocking, are not surprising,’ he continued.
‘I have been working with the foodbank and Foodcloud here in Wexford for almost seven years and am well aware of the struggles that families across this county are facing.’
‘In this round, we’ve probably helped over 800 families, helping to feed around 3,000 people. Unfortunately poverty and deprivation remain significant issues, and this latest information further underlines that the two-tier recovery has created a very real divide in our society.’
Those wishing to avail of food packages can contact Cllr Sheehan confidentially by text on 0851349020.