Isle of Anglesey County Council, in partnership with Wild Elements, are leading on a new project to supply Anglesey Food Bank, Amlwch Food Bank and Bwyd Da Mon with fresh fruit and veg.

Funding secured via Welsh Government’s ‘Tackling Food Poverty and Insecurity’ has seen the project secure four sites across the island which will be used to grow fresh local produce.

The sites are located at:

• Digartref Cyf, Holyhead – young people will support to maintain this site
• Newry Beach allotments – the allotments team will be maintaining this site
• Parc Mount, Llangefni – this land has been provided by Carelink Homecare Services Ltd and will be maintained by The Wallich clients
• Beaumaris allotments society – the society will maintain this site

As well as growing fresh fruit and veg, the site located at Parc Mount, Llangefni has been transformed into a vibrant green space.

A greenhouse, raised beds, water butts and a shed has already been installed at the site. Further expansion of the area will begin soon thanks to Wallich clients who have constructed a seated bench.

Anglesey’s Head of Housing Services, Ned Michael, said, “The approach to community growing has never been as important as it is now. We’re aware that our food banks have seen a substantial increase in demand of their services since the pandemic began.”

“We continue to see high levels of Anglesey residents requiring emergency food parcels from our food banks. We are proud to be a part of such an important and sustainable project on Anglesey and look forward to developing more sites in the future.”

The cost of living crisis and Covid-19 has resulted in an increase in demand on food banks across the island and Bwyd Da Mon located in Llangefni.

Anglesey Food Bank Trustee, Roy Fyles explained, “Seeing these sites and all the hard work that has gone into its development is fantastic. The extra ongoing support from individuals, supported by Wallich, means this project will not only support our food and stock supplies but it will also support the wellbeing of those who maintain the sites as part of their recovery.”

He added, “With the increased demand, this means we continuously need more food. Having fresh, locally grown food will be extremely beneficial to our clients.”

Additionally, Anglesey Council’s Tenants Participation Team, in partnership with Grwp Llandrillo Menai. have started to deliver community cooking skills with the emphasis on being able to cook substantial meals on a budget.

Anglesey’s Housing Portfolio Holder, Councillor Alun Mummery, said, “The coronavirus pandemic and the current cost of living crisis has highlighted the financial hardship many people are experiencing.”

“It’s important that we continue do as much as can to help individuals and families who are facing difficult financial choices. This is an excellent project which will undoubtedly support many families across the island.”

The fresh local produce that is grown at the above sites will be used to support these courses.

Ends 4 July 2022