Public meeting as food bank sets up

A PUBLIC meeting is being held next week as Ammanford's new food bank prepares to launch in May.

Plans for the facility are finally becoming a reality after months of hard work, with a location now confirmed at the town's Evangelical Church.

The food bank, which will help struggling residents and families in the area get food parcels when times are tough, was first mooted after it was revealed people were travelling from the town to neighbouring Llanelli's food bank for much-needed help.

Jonathan Thomas, Pastor at Ammanford Evangelical Church, said: "I think at the moment there are a lot of food banks opening nationally, and people are struggling financially in Carmarthenshire.

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"We have heard of families from Ammanford going to access the foodbank in Llanelli due to cuts in benefits, housing changes and more unemploy- ment."

Mr Thomas said the food bank could help the people who are struggling the most in the area.

Organisers are now searching for a unit to store the food, and are also appealing for volunteers to help run the facility.

Mr Thomas said they will need around 20 to 30 people to help keep the food bank going.

Paula Williams from Tycroes has been appointed as the new manager of the foodbank and will be looking after its day-to-day running.

Stock

To set up the food bank Mr Thomas said they will need to have a stock of food ready and up to £1,000 to pay for the start-up costs.

"Once we are set up we will need people regularly donating food for the long-term need," he said.

Organisers have been working with the Trussel Trust to make the plans a reality and hope to hold an official launch day on Friday, May 31.

Mr Thomas said the public response to the food bank had been "brilliant" so far.

"The people of Ammanford have given generously already.

"Carmarthenshire Council have been very supportive and so have Tesco and other churches, chapels and community groups as well as the town council."

A big food bank collection is to be held at Ammanford's Tesco store early in May.

A public meeting and appeal for volunteers will be held at 8pm on Tuesday, March 12 in iSmooth, Ammanford.