A foodbank in Aberystwyth is appealing for donations, as they are struggling to continue supporting the local community during the coronavirus crisis.

Jubilee Storehouse foodbank has been supporting individuals and families in crisis since 2011.

The foodbank is run out of St Anne’s Church in Penparcau and serves Aberystwyth and the surrounding area.

Malcolm Dye, co-ordinator of Jubilee Storehouse foodbank, said: “The country is in lockdown, but the foodbank has been approved to continue operating.

“I wondered what the need would be, but presently it’s enormous. Under normal circumstances we issue, on average, about 20 food packs a week. Last week we issued 52.”

But Malcolm has expressed fear for the future of the foodbank in light of the coronavirus outbreak.

Many volunteers over 70 and those with underlying health issues have been taken off the frontline in order to protect them. But many younger volunteers have stepped in to take their place and keep the foodbank running.

Malcolm said: “Food supply is a problem for us. Last week we had difficulty getting bread, but we’ve resolved that issue with the help of retailers and individuals.

“However, general food donations are reduced, and we are not able to buy in enough supplies because shelves are not well stocked.

“We will not strip shelves and deprive others of supplies they need. But we have been blessed with many financial donations and so will buy what we can, when we can.”

Malcolm is encouraging people to donate what they can through Morrisons, Tesco or the Co-op. Food can also be left at St Anne’s Church between 10am and 2pm.

St Anne’s, alongside other churches in the Aberystwyth area, are also supporting a telephone pastor service.

St Michael’s Church, in Aberystwyth, are a part of the telephone pastor project.

Rev Mark Ansell, from St Michael’s, told the Cambrian News that people who are in self isolation can call into the service for support.

After their initial phone call, they will be allocated to a volunteer who will continue to call them every few days to check on how they are doing.

People can access the pastors on 01970 617184 or via email at [email protected]

Rev Mark said: “We usually visit people and check on them in their house but of course that’s the one thing we can’t do now.

“We’ve got an online community for those in the church. But some of the elderly, and those who aren’t online, are feeling very isolated.

“This will initially be rolled out in our church community, but after if people are vulnerable or feeling lonely they can get in touch.”