A LOCAL charity is tackling the ‘eat or heat’ problem, experienced by a growing number of residents, with a winter appeal.

Cardigan Foodbank has launched a winter appeal ‘Heat and Eat’, in the hope that people in the local area will not need to chose one over the other.

Phil Buckman, manager of Cardigan Foodbank, said: “We need your help so we can change the awful Eat or Heat problem that many are suffering through and across our region of Ceredigion, north Carmarthenshire and north Pembrokeshire. We don't believe people should have to choose between eating or heating their homes.

“Food is a basic human right and it is wrong for people to have to suffer in the cold in this day and age.

“Our aim is to feed no less than 500 people, whether families, individuals, old or young, who are currently having to decide whether to eat or heat this winter.”

Food parcels will be distributed from December 16, to be received in time for Christmas.

The charity is appealing to members of the public to help them find and help the ‘hidden hungry’, as temperatures drop and many have to choose between buying food or heating their homes.

Anyone who knows of a family, couple or individual in this situation is asked to discreetly advise the Foodbank.

Phil added: “It will be a very sad day if we find that we're too late to help and someone dies this winter because they had to decide whether to Eat or Heat.”

Call the Cardigan Foodbank on 01239 615864 and ask for Phil or leave a message with your name and phone number so he can call back.

More information is available at www.facebook.com/cardiganfoodbank