THE rise in demand for foodbanks shows no sign of declining with a new one set to open at Llandysul on May 20.

There are currently three foodbanks in operation in Ceredigion – Cardigan, Aberystwyth and Lampeter - and this week the Trussell Trust announced their annual foodbank stats.

Alan Faunch, manager at Cardidan Foodbank, said: “Between 1st April 2017 and 31st March 2018, The Trussell Trust’s foodbank network throughout the UK distributed 1,332,952 three day emergency food supplies to people in crisis, a 13 per cent increase on the previous year.

“During this year Cardigan foodbank issued 1,514 people with food parcels, 579 of these were for children. For us this was a 25 per cent increase on the previous year.

“We couldn't possibly do this without your continued support, so a big thank you to everyone who donates food, supports us financially and gives their time to help Cardigan foodbank.”

The rising demand has led to the decision to open the new foodbank and Lleucu Meinir, Llandysul Foodbank representative said: “We decided that there was a need for an official foodbank in the Llandysul area especially with the imminent roll-out of universal credit in Ceredigion which is likely to force families into a spiral of debt.

“The process of establishing Llandysul Foodbank has happened under the umbrella of ‘Golau’, a group of local Christians.

“We are extremely grateful to Ysgol Bro Teifi for their vital support and to Lampeter foodbank volunteers for their advice and guidance during the initial set up process.”

MP Ben Lake and AM Elin Jones recently met representatives of foodbanks in Ceredigion to discuss the current demand and to understand why people in rural communities are increasingly in need of emergency food supplies.

Mr Lake said: “Not a week goes by in our office without being contacted by a constituent affected by a change, a cut or sanction to their benefit.

“Such impacts are also felt by those defined as the ‘working-poor’ – people who are putting in an honest day’s work but don’t earn enough to make ends meet.

“Foodbanks in Ceredigion have seen a deeply worrying increase in the number of those who need food parcels.

“The increasing pressure on Ceredigion’s food banks demonstrate the fundamental failure of the UK Government’s austerity measures, but simultaneously demonstrates Ceredigion’s compassion and generosity in supporting those in need.”

During the meeting, Ceredigion foodbank representatives shared their concerns regarding the probable increased pressure on their services following the full roll-out of Universal Credit expected to be implemented in the county in December 2018.

Ms Jones said: “This increase in foodbank usage is symbolic of the fact that life for many working families is getting harder. The cost of living is mounting at a faster rate than people’s wages are increasing - it’s not surprising that food banks are having to fill the gap.

“I would like to pay tribute to the organisers and volunteers of the Aberystwyth, Cardigan, Lampeter and Llandysul food banks for the way in which they have stepped in to help their neighbours in need. We kindly ask all those who are in a position to do so, to consider giving a donation to their local foodbank.”