Welsh foodbanks feed 16,000 in one year

Welsh foodbanks have given emergency food parcels to 16,000 people in the last year.

The Trussell Trust, which runs the foodbanks through local churches, said it had seen an increase in demand for its services in light of the difficult economic climate.

Over 150 tons of food has been donated to the foodbanks by members of the public and other donors.

Recipients of the food parcels include low-income working families, people made redundant, and those experiencing delays in receiving their benefits. They are all referred to the service through frontline care professionals, such as doctors or social workers.

A new foodbank in Wrexham brings the total number in the network across the UK to 192.

Wales Regional Development Manager for The Trussell Trust, Adrian Curtis said: "It’s shocking to see that over the past 12 months, 16,000 people in Wales had to choose between paying essential bills and putting food on the table.

"A sudden change in circumstances can lead families into a crisis and can affect people from all backgrounds and income levels – as household budgets are squeezed we are seeing more people at risk of crisis."

Mr Curtis expects the network of foodbanks in Wales to expand to over 40 projects during the next 24 months.

Executive Chairman of The Trussell Trust, Chris Mould said: "Between 2008 and 2011, numbers fed by foodbanks increased by 136%.

"Recession followed by high unemployment and rising food and fuel prices has had a huge impact.

"Foodbank clients are faced with impossible choices between paying the rent and buying food. Parents skip meals or consider crime to feed their children.

"The shocking truth is that thousands are going hungry in their own homes in 21st century Britain."