Our proud retired soldiers forced to rely on food bank
Ex-troops struggling to make ends meet
RETIRED Irish soldiers who have nothing left after spending their monthly pensions on rent have turned to a food bank for help with basic groceries.
The Meath Food Bank has been supplying 10 former troops with perishable and non-perishable items over the past number of months.
Charity founder Ashling Lowe, who has been running the bank for the last five years, said seeing proud soldiers feel embarrassed to ask for help is heartbreaking.
She added: “We have helped about 80 families in the last month with food hampers and it’s just devastating to watch the numbers rise – especially those who are elderly and have nothing left to feed themselves after spending their meagre income on bills.
“Our own Irish soldiers – the men in the Defence Forces – are having to use the Food Bank because high private rents are taking up most of their pensions.
“We have been helping 10 soldiers here who are in their 60s and 70s.
“These are proud men who felt embarrassed to ask for help, like most of the people who come here.
“We have given them food hampers and also care packages with items like razors, shower gels and shaving foam.
“Recently one of the soldiers, who I had only talked to on the phone, was at my door to personally thank me and tell me he didn’t know what he would do without our help.
BILLS
“These are people who have worked hard all their lives and were prepared to give their lives for us and this country. Now they can’t afford basic groceries after they pay their rent and bills.”
Volunteers help Ashling every day but last weekend, food donations from the funeral of a young volunteer were given to the homeless.
She said: “My cousin Joanne Power from Kells passed away unexpectedly at the age of 29. She was a Special Olympian and loved helping people.
“She loved to come down here and help us when she could. When she died, there was so much food at her funeral that her mum Kacky insisted we share it among the homeless in Joanne’s name.
“There are so, so many good people out there. Those who volunteer and donate and those who need a bit of a hand.
“One lady who has just lost her job, spent the little that she had on a voucher for a cup of tea and a bun for me as a way of thanks.
“It’s not just about food. It’s about listening and treating everyone with respect and dignity.”
They were prepared to give their lives. Now they can’t afford food ASHLING LOWE
CO MEATH YESTERDAY