Ceredigion food banks are continuing to see a big increase in demand and are just about able to cope due to the generosity of donations from the public. Most people make food donations, but some people also donate money.
The financial donations help to top up supplies, particularly supplies of fresh produce for the food parcels. Money is also needed to cover costs of fuel – to heat the building and for vehicles, which are essential in collecting, and sometimes delivering, the food parcels.
Ceredigion County Council has been able to contribute to this good work by distributing £30,000 from the Discretionary Homeless Prevention Fund (provided by the Welsh Government to Local Authorities). The flexibility of funding afforded to the Local Authority has enabled the Council to provide a financial contribution to the food banks and other organisations who provide hot meals at low cost or no cost in the community.
Councillor Matthew Vaux, Cabinet Member for Partnerships, Housing, Legal and Governance and Public Protection, said: “This fund is primarily to support people to be able to cover their basic household outgoings and reduce the risk of them becoming homeless. Supporting the food banks is another way of reducing the day-to-day bills that people face in these very difficult times. I am very glad to see this money going to such good use.”
The representative on behalf of Banc Bwyd Llanbed / Lampeter Food Bank said: “On behalf of the many people and families being helped, Banc Bwyd Llanbed says thanks. There are increased requests for help from people at the moment. Because of the generosity of you and others we are also able to provide additional help to people in the area.”
Food Banks are reporting that, while they are managing to keep up with requests for food, they could really do with more volunteers to help sort and distribute the food. If you can help in any way, there is a list of all Ceredigion food banks on Ceredigion County Council website: Ceredigion Food Banks
31/03/2023