FOOD banks in Ceredigion have been given a funding boost by the council.

Ceredigion County Council has given food banks across the county a share of £30,000 from the discretionary homeless prevention fund which is provided to the local authorities by the Welsh Government.

The boost comes as food banks have seen a large increase in demand due to the cost-of-living pandemic.

Food banks receive donations of long-lasting items to be used in food parcels but financial donations can help to top up supplies such as fresh produce and to cover the costs of fuel for heating the building and for the vehicles for collecting and delivering food parcels.

Banc Bwyd Llanbed/Lampeter Food Bank was one of the foodbanks to benefit from the funding. A representative said: “On behalf of the many people and families being helped, Banc Bwyd Llanbed says thanks. There are increased requests for help from people at the moment. Because of the generosity of you and others we are also able to provide additional help to people in the area.”

Matthew Vaux, Ceredigion County Council cabinet member for partnerships, housing, legal and governance and public protection, said: “This fund is primarily to support people to be able to cover their basic household outgoings and reduce the risk of them becoming homeless. Supporting the food banks is another way of reducing the day-to-day bills that people face in these very difficult times. I am very glad to see this money going to such good use.”

The council also said that the food banks are looking for volunteers to help sort and distribute the food. Details of all the food banks can be found at www.ceredigion.gov.uk/resident/coronavirus-covid-19/information-and-resources-for-the-community/ceredigion-foodbanks