NEARLY 200 people in the Barmouth area have had to rely on foodbanks in the last few months.

Between April and September, Barmouth foodbank gave 199 three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis.

Of these, 30 of the three-day supplies went to children in the Meirionnydd area.

Although these figures make uncomfortable viewing, the numbers are not as high as last year when 266 parcels were handed out to low income households.

Barmouth Foodbank has welcomed this slight reduction in foodbank use within south Gwynedd but warns that this is not necessarily a reduction in need and that hunger remains an issue for people in the region.

Dave Hooper, manager of Barmouth Foodbank said: “It is interesting to note that almost the same number of vouchers have been redeemed by clients but that the number of children within the client households has significantly reduced.

“The numbers of couples and single persons has increased from 74 per cent to 87 per cent.

“Whilst the numbers fed have slightly decreased, the generosity of the public within Gwynedd remains as strong as ever and I’d like to thank everyone who donates for their continued support.”

Plaid Cymru MP Liz Saville Roberts blames central government for the depressing situation.

“The general picture for Wales is bleak, with foodbank users on the increase, including those who’ve become reliant on emergency rations.

“The situation is likely to spiral further out of control if the Government’s draconian cuts to tax credits are implemented.

“The fact that people in work but on low incomes are not even able to cover the basic costs of food is a huge injustice.

“The government should be looking to address this imbalance, but it seems content to let this unprecedented rise in food banks become the hallmark of its time in office.

“In the meantime, those using foodbanks in Dwyfor Meirionnydd are left to rely on the generosity of others to get by.”

Barmouth Foodbank works under the umbrella of Trussell Trust UK.

Trussell Trust UK foodbank director Adrian Curtis said: “In the last six months local people in Gwynedd donated 4.8 tonnes of food to Barmouth Foodbank, and over 50 people were involved in volunteering.

“Local schools, businesses and faith groups have provided vital support to the foodbank, enabling us to give three days’ nutritionally

balanced food and support to people in crisis.

“In particular we have seen a greater number of donations through church and school Harvest Festivals, thank you to all concerned.

“Winter is likely to see a rise in numbers of people needing foodbanks, as people on low incomes face choices between eating and heating,” Mr Curtis continued.

“In December 2014, referrals to Trussell Trust foodbanks nationally were 53 percent higher than the average across other months, with over 130,000 three-day food supplies being given to people in crisis in December alone.

“As well as providing emergency food, Barmouth foodbank provides essentials like washing powder, nappies and hygiene products to families who are struggling, as well as signposting them to other services in the local area.

“In addition new or nearly new clothes and shoes are given when appropriate.”