Volunteers at the Menai Bridge food bank are thanking the local community for their support during the Coronavirus crisis.

Menai Bridge food bank was one of two new pop-up food banks created on the Island some three months ago now. The food bank has been run by local community volunteers who have been supporting the local community in Menai Bridge, Seiriol Ward and Aethwy Ward.

The volunteers have been taking referrals, packing and delivering the food parcels. Working on a rota basis, the fantastic work of the volunteers has ensured that the food bank is manned during peak times.

Due to the recent decrease in demand at the Menai Bridge food bank, the decision has been made to close. It will continue to accept referrals until its closure on June 26th. Following its closure, all referrals from the food bank will be passed on to Llangefni’s pop-up food bank, which is continuing to operate for the foreseeable future.

Isle of Anglesey County Council has always worked closely with the food banks, and the level of support has increased since the pandemic. The Council, in partnership with various agencies have developed a community action plan which includes supporting the food bank operations. This support includes co-ordinating community donations from various towns and villages, the management of purchased goods across all four food banks, providing delivery drivers and ensuring all food banks are supported with any issues and concerns that may arise.

All four food banks on the island have worked closely together, ensuring there was no duplication of efforts. The food banks (Holyhead, Amlwch, Llangefni and Menai Bridge) virtually meet every 2 weeks on a conference call led by the County Council. Through this meeting, they are able to share resources, goods, ideas and suggestions.

From the outset, the Menai Bridge Food Bank has been widely supported and praised by local businesses and people, and it was overwhelmed with kind with donations.

The food bank was recipient to large donations from the Waitrose shop in the town. Along with the kind donations of individuals, and other local businesses, the food bank thrived as a good level of stock was in place, and volunteers supported some of our most vulnerable and financially challenged households during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Aethwy Ward County Councillor Robin Williams, has volunteered at the Menai Bridge Food Bank. He said “It has been a great experience supporting the local community during such a difficult time. Thanks to everyone that donated so generously to this worthy cause. It’s a very positive sign that the demand for a food bank in the local community has decreased significantly – however for those that still require this support, they will be referred to the food bank in Llangefni now”.

Anglesey’s Head of Housing and Communities, Ned Michael, said, “The kindness and sense of community felt by residents in the Aethwy and Seiriol Wards has been outstanding. We as a County Council are humbled to have been part of such a wonderful project, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of the volunteers who made this possible”.

He added, “We’d also like to thank the Memorial Hall for allowing us to use the space, and to all local businesses who donated”.

Ends 19.06.2020