AM calls on local people to join foodbank appeal

Keith Davies is encouraging local people to support their local food bank in the run up to Christmas as those operating in the Llanelli area report a surge in referrals from statutory agencies.

This week, Keith Davies visited the Trussell Trust operated facility at Myrtle House following their successful collection at Tesco, Parc Trostre.

The Llanelli AM is collecting for the Antioch foodbank which operates from their base on Copperworks Road this Christmas. He has a collection point at his office in the National Assembly, Cardiff Bay and at his Llanelli Constituency Office on Queen Victoria Road.

Keith Davies has invited the Deputy Minister for Tackling Poverty, Vaughan Gething to visit the Antioch Centre to highlight the work of the foodbank in supporting vulnerable people and families struggling to make ends meet.

Keith Davies AM said:

“Today’s harsh reality is that more and more people are depending on food banks during times of crisis to get by. All of the foodbanks operating in the Llanelli area are run by volunteers who work so hard to ensure that there is always a food parcel ready for those who need it.

“There is no doubt in my mind that cuts to welfare benefits, the bedroom tax and the cost of living crisis has resulted in hundreds of people relying on foodbanks in this town every month. The stories of those in need are heart-breaking – local people having to make the choice between keeping warm and eating. As difficult as it is to imagine, it is happening here and now in our town.

“That is why I am supporting our local foodbanks in Llanelli this year by encouraging people to donate long life or tinned items to the appeal. I have a collection point in my office in Cardiff and Llanelli where people can drop off food from a prescribed list of most needed items.”

Deputy Minister for Tackling Poverty will meet with volunteers at the Antioch food bank on Thursday evening (5th December) to hear more about the work they do and their plans for a special Christmas meal for families from the local community.

To donate an item to the collection, visit the website www.keithdavies.org.uk for a list of the most needed items or call 01554 774902. The collection point at Keith Davies’ office will remain open until December 13th.