CARDIGAN Foodbank was able to provide emergency food, Christmas hampers and seasonal treats to dozens of local families facing hunger in the lead up to Christmas thanks to the generous support of local people across the Tivyside area.

More than 160 people - including many children - were helped during December.

Alan Faunch, Cardigan Foodbank manager, said: “We hope that one day there will be no need for a foodbank in Cardigan but while our help is needed we will ensure people referred receive a non-judgmental welcome, space to be heard and the best support possible.

“We couldn’t keep the foodbank’s doors open without local people as we rely on donations to make sure everyone receives a nutritionally balanced parcel of emergency food.

“Thank you so much to everyone who has donated food, money or time to offer help and hope to people when it is most needed. We have seen an incredible response from people across the locality and are so grateful for, and humbled by, your generosity.”

During December a total of 1,765kg was donated to Cardigan Foodbank by generous customers at Cardigan’s Tesco store.

Supermarket shoppers were asked to donate long-life items as part of their usual shop, with Tesco topping up the value of the customer donations by 20 per cent.

The foodbank, which is run from the New Life Christian Centre on Quay Street, provided 713 three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis between April and September of last year, 283 of which went to children.

Like many other foodbanks in The Trussell Trust’s foodbank network, the charity finds that while December is the busiest month of the year, the need for emergency help also remains high throughout the cold winter months at the start of the year.

Mark Ward, interim chief executive at The Trussell Trust said: “Last month, foodbanks met thousands of people who would otherwise have faced going hungry at Christmas. No one should be unable to afford food, at any time of year.

“As we look ahead to the New Year, against a backdrop of record foodbank referrals, we’re committed to working towards a future where there is no need for foodbanks.

“Together with our foodbank network, we’ll ensure emergency food and help are available for anyone referred while at the same time challenging why people are being thrown into crisis in the first place.”

To make a donation or find out how to help Cardigan foodbank, visit www.cardigan.foodbank.org.uk.