A local partnership is calling on local businesses which have temporarily closed due to Coronavirus to consider donating surplus foods to food banks in Gwynedd.

Gwynedd Council and social housing provider Adra, have launched a joint campaign to help food banks in the county by providing foodstuffs and general support, and are now looking to local businesses for contributions.

“Hundreds of food businesses in the county have had to close for the time being to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus,” said Councillor Gareth Thomas, the Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Community.

“Despite this several businesses have already responded to the request and are donating dry food from their stores to help people and families in need across the county.

“The campaign is calling on owners of cafes, shops and accommodation providers, as well as businesses running attractions which serve food, to consider donating any dry food that would otherwise go to waste to local food banks for the benefit of families who are in the greatest need in Gwynedd.”

One of the first organisations to join the campaign was the Urdd outdoor activity centre at Glan-llyn.

“As we’ve had to close our doors since the middle of March, we had quite a lot of food stock that would have gone to waste,” said Huw Antur Edwards, centre director.

“We have been collaborating with a community group in Llanuwchllyn since the beginning of the crisis and have donated the fresh foods that we had to a local meals on wheels scheme. However we have quite a stock of dry food left, and it is great being able to use it to help the food banks during this difficult time.”

There is an increasing demand for the services of the food banks, and with 10 locations across the county now offering emergency food boxes to people in need, it can be a challenge to ensure that they have a regular supply of food.

Councillor Gareth Thomas added: “The food banks in Gwynedd are doing incredible work throughout the year, and this work is entirely voluntary.

“By now the demand has increased immensely as families across the county are facing additional pressures due to the impact of the virus. The Council has already donated dry food from the schools, and we have partnered with Adra to buy essential goods for them.

“We are extremely grateful to Glan-llyn and all the other businesses that have donated so far. It is a difficult time for all, and it is encouraging to see so much good will.”

Sarah Schofield, Customers and Communities Director at Adra said: “We’re extremely glad that we can contribute to such a key cause which is the food banks. This service plays such an important role in making sure food is available to those who need it most – it’s the most basic need.

“We’re proud to be working together with Gwynedd Council on this. It’s crucial that organisations come together to help people within our communities, during such a challenging time.”

Gwynedd Council and Adra will collect the food, sort the donations and deliver it to the different areas.

The Council are asking for dry foods such as rice, pasta and sugar, or tin foods such as beans or fish, that are still within their sell-by dates.

Business owners who believe they can help should contact the Council by calling 07989 351502 or 01766 771000 and asking for Marian Wyn Jones. Or they can send an e-mail to CymorthCymunedol@gwynedd.llyw.cymru

Any member of the public can support their local food bank, and there are baskets to collect food at all local supermarkets. Details of all Gwynedd food banks can be seen on the Council’s website: www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/CommunityHelp

Caption: Huw Antur Edwards, director of Gwersyll yr Urdd, Glanllyn with the food being picked up by Gwynedd Council and Adra to be donated to local food banks