FLINTSHIRE Foodbank has given out more than 7,000 emergency parcels in the last year, with two in every five packages going to children.

New data released by the Trussell Trust shows that demand for the foodbank services across the county, in a 12-month period from April 2018 to the end of last month, has grown almost 14 per cent on the previous year.

The Trussell Trust’s chief executive, Emma Revie, said: “What we are seeing year-upon-year is more and more people are struggling to eat because they simply cannot afford food. This is not right.

“Enough is enough. We know this situation can be fixed – that’s why we are campaigning to create a future where no one needs a food bank.”

In total 7,155 emergency food parcels were given to local people in last year, according to Flintshire Foodbank’s figures.

These three-day emergency food parcels were provided between April 2018 to March 2019, and of this number, 3,002 went to children.

An emergency food parcel consists of three days’ worth of food for one person which consists of “nutritionally balanced, non-perishable tinned and dried foods that have been donated people in the local community” according to the Trussell Trust website.

Alongside the standard parcel, food banks try to provide some essential non-food items to adults and children in crisis including toiletries, baby items and Feminine hygiene products.

The foodbank’s figures feed into a larger national picture with a record increase in food bank use across the UK reported by the Trussell Trust, showing that families across all of Wales received 113,300 emergency foodbank parcels in the 12-month period.

The charity’s chief executive says the average five-week wait for Universal Credit payments has been one of the main reasons for the shocking rise in demand.

Emma added: “Our benefits system is supposed to protect us all from being swept into poverty. Universal Credit should be part of the solution but currently the five-week wait is leaving many without enough money to cover the basics.

“As a priority, we are urging the government to end the wait for Universal Credit to ease the pressure on thousands of households. Ultimately, it is unacceptable that anyone should have to use a food bank in the first place. No charity can replace the dignity of having financial security.

“That is why in the long-term, we are urging the Government to ensure benefit payments reflect the true cost of living and work is secure, paying the real Living Wage, to help ensure we are all anchored from poverty.”

David Hanson, the MP for Delyn, has said he finds it 'truly appalling' what these figures show for the county.

He said: “The pressure being put on family’s incomes due to a social security system that doesn’t work or pay enough and an economy that is barely growing is atrocious. The UK Government have even admitted that their welfare policy has driven up foodbank usage, yet they still refuse to do something about it.

“I will be writing to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Amber Rudd MP, asking her what she intends to do to eliminate the need to foodbank use in Delyn and eradicate child poverty. It took Labour thirteen years to lift half a million children out of poverty. It has taken this UK Government nine to unpick it. They should be ashamed.”

The Flintshire foodbank service operate at a variety of locations across the county from Monday through to Friday; including Connah’s Quay, Shotton, Mold, Buckley, Flint, Holywell and Saltney.

The food bank welcomes any new offers of help with funding, making a donation and anyone interested in supporting the foodbank through volunteer work.

Interested individuals can find out more at www.flintshirefoodbank.org.uk or by emailing info@flintshire.foodbank.org.uk.