Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Food suppliers forgotten in State aid plan
FOOD suppliers are the “forgotten sector” of the lockdown, it was claimed last night.
Harry Crawford, managing director of Get Fresh NI, said growers and producers have been left behind.
Altough 95% of their trade comes from the hospitality sector and they have not been ordered to close, their biggest customers are not trading.
Mr Crawford added: “We were not included in the round of eligible businesses last time, which resulted in March in substantial losses with stock. By its very nature, it’s fresh, and had to be destroyed.
“We’re determined this time round that we just can’t let that happen. So we’re here today to highlight the fact. We’re asking the public for donations. It’s all going to a very worthwhile cause and really just to raise the profile for all the growers and producers out there that are forgotten..”
He set up a pitch outside the Grand Central Hotel in Belfast on Friday selling off fresh produce that would otherwise go to waste.
The proceeds will go to a fund for an operation needed by the 13-year-old daughter of an employee.
“We’ve a very valued member of staff Colin Mcmahon whose daughter Olivia, who is here today, 13 years of age has scoliosis, curvature of the spine. If it’s not seen to in the near future it has very long lasting consequences,” he said, adding that many people buying produce had rounded up prices to give a little more.
“We’re trying to raise £45,000 to take her to Turkey to have the operation. We’ll make a donation to the fund and support a member of staff in these difficult times.”
Olivia’s mum Aundrea said she has been on a waiting list for an operation and has been told she will be waiting at least a year more.
She added: “She has got so bad in the last two months, it’s gone 20 degrees, and she’s going to get worse while waiting.
“So we decided we’d fundraise and pay for it privately. We’ve had a consultation done online and we’ve got X-rays done here privately and sent.”