CARDIGAN Foodbank has seen a huge surge in demand as the coronavirus pandemic tightens its grip.

Demand for emergency food parcels in Cardigan and the surrounding area is three times the normal level and putting a huge strain on staff and resources at the Trussell Trust-run centre.

“We are classed as a frontline service and we will continue to stay open following Government advice on social distancing,” said foodbank manager Alan Faunch.

“Last week was mental – usually we would do 15 or perhaps 20 parcels if we were really busy – but we did 44 vouchers.

“We are just about managing to cope but it is not easy and f it carries on for any length of time, we will be struggling, especially as we are restricted in how much we can buy ourselves, while people who want to make donations are also finding it difficult.

“But once again people in Cardigan are being incredibly generous, as well as local businesses, and I want to say a massive ‘thank you’ to everyone.

“When the café at Tesco had to close, they gave us a load of fresh food to use, while B&Bs which have had to close have brought us their toiletries.

“People are responding as best they can in very difficult circumstances.”

Retailer B&M has pledged £1million to support local foodbanks and each of its stores is authorised to provide a local foodbank with a £1,500 donation to buy essential groceries, cleaning goods and toiletries.

“That’s a fantastic gesture but I think they must have been inundated with responses and I think it will take a while to filter through,” said Alan.

Food and other household essentials are being left on the foodbank’s doorstep at the New Life Christian Centre on Quay Street; a collection point is still available at Tesco in town and people are also donating money.

“We are still operating a voucher system where people are referred to us to make sure these are genuine people in need and not simply stockpiling to fill up their cupboards,” said Alan.

“It has been a logistical nightmare and we also have to look after our own staff as well and the situation seems to be changing daily but everyone is doing their bit.

“And the Trussell Trust as a whole is lobbying government as we cannot sustain this level of demand for a long period of time as donations are going to drop off and people are not going out."

It has been a similar situation at Llandysul Foodbank, where it has been struggling for volunteers.

Rev Gareth Reid said: “One of the challenges has been quite a few of our volunteers are over 70 but we have now had six or seven more people come forward to help out who are no longer working.

“We have no idea where this is going to end but it is important for people to know that we will be here for them and we are so grateful for all donations – just a couple of extra tins can make a huge difference.”

A statement from the Trussell Trust said: “Our main priority is ensuring the safety of everyone who comes to a foodbank – whether it’s someone needing help, someone volunteering their time, or someone making a donation.

“Following the Prime Minister’s announcement, food banks face a difficult decision about whether they are able to stay open. Each food bank in our network is a local charity, run by a community for their local community, and each will be affected differently – so we’ll be working with each of them to look at what is safe for everyone involved.

“Until we are sure adequate government protection against poverty is in place, foodbanks provide an essential community service to people unable to afford food.

“The Trussell Trust will remain open and ready to support food banks in whatever decision they feel is best in their community. If a foodbank feels it can continue to run, in line with the government guidance and with the support of their volunteers and local community, we will do everything we can to support the foodbank.

“If a foodbank feels it is unable to open, we will look at how we can get work to get emergency food to people in that area who don’t have enough money for food, in a safe, alternative way.

"The changes announced to our benefits system in the last week by the Department for Work and Pensions are welcome and it's more important than ever that we end the five week wait for Universal Credit. As the outbreak develops, more people than ever could need this help – especially those who aren’t eligible for sick pay or have unstable jobs.

"We would ask our government to take this essential step and end the five week wait now. It’s five weeks too long."