SDLP Waterside councillor Martin Reilly
Cllr Reilly will table a motion at this month’s Council meeting to call for the convening of the Forum.
Said Cllr Reilly: “There is significant concern across our district that the current cost-of-living crisis is compounding the already high levels of poverty in the Derry City and Strabane Council area and as a Councillor, I see first-hand how this emergency is leading to a reliance on food banks for so many of our citizens.
“We know that the impact of poverty and deprivation has a huge impact on the health of our population.
“At a time when our health service is already under huge pressure, this should be a cause of grave concern for all of us and we must take action now to support people throughout the difficult time ahead.
“In the absence of a functioning Assembly, it is even more important that local government steps up to help people in need.
“I am calling on our Council to convene a meeting of the Council’s Civic Forum so that foodbanks, supermarkets and all food parcel distribution networks operating in our Council area as well as the Public Health Agency and other relevant organisations can identify opportunities to work together and assist people during this crisis.
“We need to help inform people across the Council district of the food services and sources of advice that are available.
“We also need to hear, from those working in key organisations, how best our Council can help as people are forced to choose between heating and eating.
“I hope that the Civic Forum can be convened as soon as possible to co-ordinate efforts to tackle food poverty this side of Christmas and ahead of the worst of any colder winter weather.”
