The Bites Delivery van is ready to roll!

Building on the success of their popular Calf Lane Kitchen café, Milburn Community Association set about responding to the community's needs during the coronavirus crisis by adding a delivery service. The BITES van now delivers food daily from the community café to area business parks.

Billy Ellis, Millburn Community Outreach Worker, told us that during the pandemic, like many others, the group had had to change their services. “We launched an award-winning takeaway and delivery service from our café,” he said. “This venture will not only help support local young people into the working environment through training opportunities but will deliver a quality service to people’s place of work around the North Coast.”

Supporting Communities’ Community Development Office Gillian Forrest congratulated the committee and volunteers of the Millburn Community Association on the successful purchase of their new delivery van.

“I know it will see much-needed resources and supplies being delivered throughout the community and surrounding areas. Being able to set up a new social enterprise in the midst of a pandemic is quite amazing!” she remarked.

“So many of the community groups that we work with throughout Northern Ireland are providing vital support to some of the country’s most vulnerable residents. I have been amazed at the level of commitment, dedication and selflessness shown by all the volunteers who have played such a huge part in the COVID-19 response. They have stepped up and offered their time to help our communities through a very tough and difficult year.”

The funding for the BITES van was secured through the Housing Executive Social Enterprise Grant.