Plaid Cymru’s Leanne Wood has handed over many hundreds of items of food to the foodbank network in Wales following a collection at the National Assembly building in Cardiff Bay.
Staff in the office of Plaid Cymru AM for South Wales Central decided to organise the collection during recess after hearing how increased demand for the services of the network, which distributes three-day food packages to those in an emergency crisis, meant some distribution depots are now running low on produce.
The foodbank network receives most of their produce through collections in supermarket car parks but workplace collections are also held to boost stock. This is the first one to have taken place at Ty Hywel.
Ms Wood, who has been a big champion of the foodbank network over the last 18 months, said:
“Despite it being a quiet time of the year at the National Assembly building, the response to the appeal was very positive with many people digging deep to buy supplies for the foodbank network in Wales.
“The hundreds of food items that have been donated will make a big difference to the lives of the most vulnerable in our society. It is simply unthinkable that there are people living amongst us who cannot even afford the basics. I cannot imagine how helpless people feel when they cannot provide food for themselves and their family.
“That is why this is such a very emotive cause and this appeal has had cross-party backing from across the political spectrum in Wales.
“Unfortunately the demand for the services of the foodbank network is on the increase and some centres in Wales are having trouble keeping up with demand.
“I hope the success of this food collection will go some way to help meet this increased demand and pave the way for further collections to be held at the National Assembly building in Cardiff Bay in the future.”
