From today a new pop up food bank will be operational in Llangefni. This comes as demand for the service increases during the COVID-19 outbreak. The pop up food bank is an immediate development between the Councty Council, Anglesey Food Bank, Anglesey’s Citizens Advice (CAB) and Menter Mon.

The Isle of Anglesey County Council’s Head of Housing Services, Ned Michael said, “This is a seriously challenging time for a lot of people on Anglesey. The Coronavirus situation has had a detrimental effect on a lot of people due to workplaces closing following the UK Government’s advice. A number of Anglesey agencies are working hard to support those individuals and families in crisis. That is why we have decided to create an additional food bank in Llangefni. This new pop up will be used as a delivery only service allowing Anglesey Food Bank to store more supplies during these turbulent times.”

Since the Coronavirus outbreak, the Anglesey Food Bank has received generous contributions from local business and charities as well as Anglesey County Council. This generosity has allowed the food bank to purchase thousands of pounds worth of essential food supplies and toiletries.

One particular charity who has been critical in establishing the new pop up is Elusen Cefnogol, a charity that provides access to funding for community groups and charity organisations. Elusen Cefnogol have kindly provided £1,000 towards Anglesey Food Bank which has been integral to getting the Llangefni pop up food bank off the ground in a very short space of time.

Ned Michael added, “We are very grateful for the all the donations we’ve received so far. However, the current stock won’t last long and it is important that we ensure that supplies don’t run low during this period.”

“I would urge those of you who can to please support this cause and donate what you can to help those in need. The Anglesey Foodbank relies on your goodwill and support and you can either give money via Menter Mon’s GoFundMe page or by donating supplies at one of the food donation points that are located at Tesco in Holyhead, Amlwch & Holyhead Co-operative, Holyhead & Llangefni Asda plus Waitrose in Menai Bridge.”

£12 provides an emergency food parcel for a single person for three days and this includes items such as breakfast cereals, pasta, tinned items, tea or coffee and snacks, they can also adapt parcels to meet an individual’s dietary needs.

The food bank urgently needs the following foods: 

• Milk (UHT/Long Life)
• Coffee (Instant)
• Fruit Juice (Not refrigerated)
• Potatoes (Tinned & Instant Mash)
• Rice Pudding (Tinned)
• Custard (Tinned)
• Tuna (Tinned)
• Meat (Tinned)
• Jam

Extra support is in place to cope with the additional demand in referrals and the food banks are there to support individuals and families who are in crisis. Those in need are encouraged to ensure that they have contacted Anglesey Food Bank in order to receive food parcels. Anybody who has to self-isolate during this period and can afford to buy food are encouraged to contact Mon Community Linc to ask for support.

If you would like to donate money please follow the link tiny.cc/7qvhlz or to donate supplies please visit one of the donation points.

Any organisations wishing to donate fresh and / or frozen foods can approach Anglesey’s Community Housing Service Manager, Llinos Williams on lwwhp@anglesey.gov.wales.

Stay home, stay safe, save lives.

END: 24/03/2020