FOOD banks in Ceredigion have been given a boost after more than £3,000 was donated to their causes by Plaid Cymru councillors.
Plaid’s Ceredigion councillors continued their tradition of donating to food banks around the county. They presented a total of £3,250 which was shared between the Aberaeron, Cardigan, Lampeter, Llandysul and Penparcau food banks, with £650 going to each.
Bryan G Davies, leader of the Plaid Cymru Ceredigion Group, said: “We strive to do our best as the part in power to help those in need in Ceredigion and as local councillors we support initiatives such as food banks and warm places.
“Once again, this year there has been an increase in the need for help from food banks in Ceredigion – something none of us wants to see. It is unacceptable that so many residents of the county are facing poverty in the twenty-first century due to constant public spending cuts from London, low wages and high living costs. I would like it to be completely different.”
Cllrs Bryan Davies, Ceris Jones, Keith Henson and Matthew Vaux presented the Aberaeron Food Bank with their cheque to help continue the work since their founding in 2021. Volunteers said: “The demand for help from the food bank has increased constantly since it was established, and your donation will help us to be able to continue providing this valuable service.”
Cllrs Amanda Edwards, Chris James, Clive Davies and Gethin Davies presented Cardigan Food Bank with their money. Food bank co-ordinator Dawn Scarisbrick said: “Many thanks for your kind donation. The demand for the food bank has increased year on year with the continued cost-of-living crisis. We have seen a 36% increase in need overall when comparing the last 2 years.”
Cllrs Eryl Evans and Ann Bowen Morgan presented Lampeter Food Bank with its cheque. Volunteer Beryl Williams said: “We at the Lampeter Food Bank are very grateful to the Plaid Cymru Ceredigion Councillor Group for their generous donation of £650. It will be a valuable addition for us to be able to purchase important resources.”
Llandysul Food Bank’s cheque was presented by Cllrs Maldwyn Lewis and Wyn Thomas. Reverend Gareth Reid, the food bank’s treasurer, said: “As Llandysul Food Bank we have seen an increase in the need over the last months of 2023 and expect this to rise again with the challenges everyone is facing. We rely on volunteers and contributions from the public to run the food bank and are very proud to say that we see great kindnesses. Any contribution of food or money is greatly appreciated, and we are very happy to receive this contribution from the Plaid Cymru Group.”
Penparcau’s Jubilee Food Bank was presented with its cheque by Cllrs Shelley Childs, Carl Worrall, Alun Williams, Gareth Davies, Rhodri Davies and Catrin M S Davies. The food bank’s co-ordinator Catherine Griffiths said: “Many thanks for your kind donation. The demand for the food bank has increased significantly during the cost-of-living crisis.
“This time last year, 70 people a week needed food from the food bank, from January to August 2023, the average number was 120 people a week and since September, the average has been 150 people a week.”
Anyone needing help from or wanting to donate to the food banks can find out more at https://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/resident/cost-of-living/ceredigion-foodbanks/
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here