THERE has been an increase in the number of people needing emergency food supplies from foodbanks in Pembrokeshire.  

The Trussell Trust said between April 1 2016 and March 31 this year 1,473 three day emergency food packages were distributed.

More than 600 of those were given to children.

The same days the year before saw 1,302 emergency food supplies given out.

The top three reasons for foodbank referrals in Pembrokeshire were: benefit changes, benefit delays and debt.

Over the last year, local people have donated 10 tonnes of food to Pembrokeshire’s four Trussell Trust Foodbanks in Haverfordwest, Pembroke Dock, Letterston, and Narberth.

More than 50 people have volunteered for the charity in the last year and there has been support from local schools, businesses and faith groups.

Theri Bailey, Foodbank Manager of the Pembrokeshire Foodbank, said: “It is deeply concerning that we are still seeing an increase in the number of three day emergency food supplies provided to local people in crisis in Pembrokeshire over the last year. Anybody could find themselves in need of the foodbank. Every week people are referred to us after being hit by something unavoidable – such as illness, a delay in a benefit payment or an unexpected bill – means food is simply unaffordable. It really is only with the community’s support that we’re able to provide vital emergency help when it matters most, and we hope that one day there will be no need for us in Pembrokeshire. But until that day comes, we will continue to offer the best possible service to help local people facing a crisis”

As well as providing emergency food, Pembrokeshire Foodbank provides essentials like toiletries to families who are struggling, as well as signposting them to other services in the local area.

PATCH also provides a foodbank service for those struggling in the county, providing five days of food more than 3,5000 times last year as well as clothing to almost 300 people and household items 500 times. 

Many Trussell Trust foodbanks, including the Pembrokeshire Foodbank, are partnering with the Fare-Share FoodCloud Charity.

Through this initiative, good food destined for waste is sent to charities and community groups who transform it into nutritious meals for vulnerable people. In addition, surplus perishable food can be taken, free of charge, by people on low income – even if they do not have a food voucher.

Fare-Share FoodCloud food is available at the Narberth and Pembroke Dock Foodbanks during their opening hours.