FOOD BANKS – URGENT SUMMER HOLIDAY APPEAL

Fears that many children in Carmarthenshire will go hungry during the school holidays has prompted an urgent appeal for more public contributions to Food Bank collection points. Parents who are struggling to feed their children are also urged to make use of the Food Banks.

Food Bank usage in Wales is at a record high, with Carmarthenshire being second only to Cardiff in the annual total of food packages issued, according to the Trussell Trust charity. New research shows that 25% of parents have skipped meals to feed their children, or relied on family members or friends for food, in the last twelve months.

“Food poverty in the UK is increasing and it’s hitting families hard, especially when resources like free school meals, breakfast clubs and after school clubs are not available,” said Council Deputy Leader Cllr Pam Palmer. “More than a quarter of parents suffering from some form of food poverty said they’re unable to provide all the meals their children need during the school holidays. This means that a large number of children may go hungry. We are working with food banks to help provide emergency food for them.” 

Cllr Deryk Cundy said that more and more families are becoming reliant on Food Banks.“Whilst we may assume that in the summer the children are on holiday and will be fed, this is often not the case. In the absence of free school meals the need actually increases driving people to use the Food Banks. This is the time that they need extra support. If you can please do by contacting them at the addresses below to see how you can help.”

The appeal was echoed by Cllr Alun Lenny, who urged parents not to feel embarrassed about using a Food Bank. “As well as appealing to the public in general to donate what they can to the Food Bank collection points in supermarkets or directly, I encourage parents who find themselves in need to take advantage of this facility – for their children’s sakes. At a time of austerity, being short of money isn’t something to be ashamed of.”

Food Collection Points

Carmarthen Excel Bowling Johnstown – Tesco Food Bank Receptable, Carmarthen.

Llanelli Food Bank – The Gallery or Myrtle house, Llanelli

Ammanford Food Bank –  Tesco Food Bank Receptable, Ammanford.

Antioch Centre, Copperworks Road, Llanelli, and maybe Llanybydder to add to Collection Points.