Pembrokeshire Foodbank provided 2,113 three day emergency food parcels to local people between April 2018 to March 2019. Of this number, 881 went to children.

The local foodbank’s figures feed into a larger national picture with a record increase in foodbank use across the UK reported by the Trussell Trust.

Pembrokeshire Foodbank is backing calls from the Trussell Trust to ensure the benefits system is able to protect people from poverty.

The figures from Pembrokeshire Foodbank are a 30 per cent increase on the same period last year. The charity believes the local increase is due a heightened awareness and referral to its’ service from concerned local statutory and charitable bodies for people presenting in food poverty. Evidence does point, however, to the fact that people are struggling from continued issues with benefit payments. This includes issues with Universal Credit such as the five-week wait.

Theri Bailey, Pembrokeshire Foodbank manager, said: “No one in Pembrokeshire should need a foodbank’s help and we want to see an end to local people needing emergency food at all. However, until we reach a future where foodbanks are no longer needed, we’ll continue to provide vital support when it matters most. We’re dedicated to ensuring that people in our community without enough money for food are able to access emergency support. Our vital work in the community has only been possible in the last year because of the incredible generosity shown by local people in donating food, time and funds. Thank you.”

The running costs for the Pembrokeshire foodbank are raised locally to enable them to continue their work. The foodbank welcomes offers of help with funding in supporting its’ work. Find out more at www.pembrokeshire.foodbank.org.uk