Concern is growing for people in Wrexham this winter as a reliance on food banks gets bigger and bigger.

Figures reveal Wrexham Foodbank provided 2183 three day emergency food supplies to local people between April 1 and September 30 this year, with 688 of that total going to children, which is an increase of almost 25% for the same period last year.

The foodbank, a member of The Trussell Trust’s network which has today reported a UK-wide increase foodbank use, is concerned its help will be even more needed in the next six months of the year, as the colder weather draws in.

The charity believes the local increase is due to people struggling with continued issues with delayed benefit payments; issues with Universal Credit; insecure work and the closure of local charities offering crisis support.

Wrexham Foodbank shares the concerns of other foodbanks in The Trussell Trust’s network about the Government’s new benefits system, Universal Credit, and has needed to give emergency food and support to people who are waiting weeks for a first payment or receiving payments that don’t cover the cost of essentials.

Sally Ellinson, Foodbank Manager of Wrexham Foodbank said: “It’s a real concern that in only six months we’ve provided 2183 emergency supplies to local people. These figures don’t even cover our busiest time of year - as the colder weather draws in, we often find more people needing our help.

"It’s not right that anyone in Wrexham is being forced to turn to our foodbank. Our volunteers offer vital support when it matters most, but they should not need to.

"We want to see an end to local people needing emergency food, with a benefits system that catches people before they fall into crisis, and secure work that provides people with enough money to cover the cost of essentials, we could reach that future.

"We’re determined to make sure that until that time comes, emergency help is here for people, but there needs to be some long-term change because we don’t want to be here forever.”

The foodbank is particularly in need of UHT milk, fruit juice, tinned fruit and biscuits. The charity has asked for festive donations to be donated by December 4 at the latest, to ensure volunteers have enough time to process and distribute these donations to people before Christmas.

The charity is also in need of cardboard boxes for the Christmas Hamper Project. Donations can be brought to their warehouse on Dean Road, open Tuesdays and Fridays between 10am and 3pm.