LOCAL politicians Adam Price AM and Jonathan Edwards MP have praised local food bank volunteers as they joined them at Tesco’s ‘Neighbourhood Food Collection’ last week.
Tesco’s partnership with the Trussell Trust and FareShare, as well as the generosity of customers, has seen 38 million meals provided to those in need across the UK.
Ammanford Food Bank was officially opened by Jonathan Edwards MP in 2013 – a task Mr Edwards described at the time as one of his most humbling experiences since becoming an elected member.
Both strong opponents of Westminster’s austerity agenda, Mr Edwards and Mr Price hailed the work carried out by the organisers and volunteers of the food bank who, they said, have selflessly stepped in to help their neighbours and demonstrate the very best of Carmarthenshire.
The Plaid Cymru duo urged all those in a position to assist the food bank to consider donating a parcel this Christmas.
Jonathan Edwards MP said: “Not a week goes by in our constituency office without Adam or I being contacted by a constituent affected by a change, a cut or sanction to their benefit. Such impacts are also felt by those defined as the ‘working-poor’ – people who are putting in an honest day’s graft but don’t earn enough to make ends meet.
“The food bank has seen a deeply worrying increase in the number of those who need food parcels. In some respect this could be attributed to the fantastic work local agencies do in referring people to the service, but there is no doubt that the continued austerity agenda is having a profound impact here in Carmarthenshire.
“I would like to pay tribute to the organisers and volunteers of Ammanford food bank for the way in which they have stepped in to help their neighbours in need.
“It is regrettable that a food bank has to exist in our community. The Westminster government’s attack on our communities is unnecessary and self-defeating. But we are very fortunate to have friends and neighbours who selflessly give up their time to support the food bank and ensure families do not go hungry.”
Assembly Member Adam Price added: “Ammanford food bank demonstrates the very worst of Westminster’s cruel cuts ideology, but the very best of Carmarthenshire’s compassion and generosity in supporting those in need.
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to those who volunteer and kindly ask all those who are in a position to do so, to consider giving a donation to the food bank.”
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