THE MEMBER of the Senedd (MS) for Wrexham has hailed the city's foodbank as an 'invaluable lifeline'.

Lesley Griffiths MS has praised the efforts of the foodbank team amid the ongoing cost of living crisis in the UK.

Mrs Griffiths recently visited the hard-working staff, trustees and volunteers at Wrexham Foodbank who are settling into life at their new warehouse in Rhosddu after a hectic few months.

In November, the team moved its warehouse from Felin Puleston to unit 3 of the Edwards Enterprise Park on the Rhosddu Industrial Estate.

The move coincided with one of the busiest times of the year when staff and volunteers were organising appeals and collections ahead of the festive period.

The foodbank provides three days worth of nutritionally-balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to them in crisis.

They are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

This week, Lesley Griffiths MS paid a visit to the foodbank team's new home.

She met with the foodbank's new manager Amy Jones to discuss the 'tireless' work the team has been doing on site since moving in November 2023.

After donating supplies, touring the new premises and meeting with Foodbank Manager, Amy Jones, Mrs Griffiths said: “While it is extremely disappointing there is a need for foodbanks to exist at all, there is no doubt they provide an invaluable lifeline to people, particularly during this cost-of-living crisis.

“Wrexham Foodbank relies on the local community to function. The charity supports people all year round and any donation, whether that’s dropping off items or offering a financial contribution to help towards rent or general upkeep, is always greatly appreciated.”

"The volunteers’ tireless work is greatly appreciated and it was good to visit the new HQ on the Rhosddu Industrial Estate, as well as meeting the Foodbank's new Manager, Amy Jones."

Since April 1, 2023, Wrexham Foodbank has given 9,039 parcels out which is an increase of around 33 % from the previous 2022/23 statistics. 

Almost 6,000 adults and over 3,100 children have been fed in that time. 

TOP STORIES

Despite the high profile appeals in the run up to Christmas, the cost-of-living crisis is impacting Wrexham Foodbank as donations in recent months have dipped and stocks are lower than in previous years. 

Wrexham Foodbank is currently spending around £2,000 per month on purchasing food for the parcels.

As such, staff and volunteers are keen to stress that donations are always welcome. 

Current items in short supply include tinned fruit, tinned tomatoes, tinned meat, tinned vegetables, tinned fish, tinned rice pudding, tea/coffee, long life fruit juice and UHT milk (1 litre).  Toiletries, nappies (larger sizes) and baby toiletries are also needed.

You can donate by visiting the Wrexham Foodbank website or calling 07538 547971.