WREXHAM Foodbank is geared up for a possible increase in demand as short-term schemes set up to help struggling families gradually wind down.

Sally Ellinson, project manager at Wrexham Foodbank, said her organisation is run by the community for the community - and while her team is grateful for all the support it have received, they do expect a rise in need during the coming year.

She said: "In March and April this year Wrexham Foodbank had a large increase in the number of food parcel referrals.

"In May and June however, this number decreased back to our usual level.

"Whilst the increase as lockdown began and the Covid 19 pandemic affected people is understandable, the decrease so soon after was surprising."

Research into why referrals were relatively low at the continued time of national crisis shows that there are a combination of reasons – some referral agencies closed, many of those that were open were operating via phone, free school meal payments were introduced, evictions and rent arrears were paused, and opportunities to spend were restricted.

However, one of the main reasons appears to be that food has been available elsewhere; various grants were made available for community groups or money was raised to establish new projects – food has been collected and distributed by groups throughout the county.

Sally continued: "On the one hand this is of course wonderful that the community has come together and stepped up and responded to a need. On the other hand, there are consequences that we believe need some thought.

"As a charity that has been established for nearly eight years in Wrexham we have a sustainable model of regular donors (both food and financial), staff and volunteers, and national support via The Trussell Trust Network and a number of large corporate bodies in the retail and service industries.

"The way in which we operate – through referrals from frontline professionals and the collation of data relating to those referred, is recognised throughout the country.

"The integrity of the Trussell Trust means that we regularly communicate with policy makers in parliament and campaign for change, using the statistics gathered to inform and give evidence about the effects that decisions made in parliament directly have on everyday lives.

"For example, data collected by Wrexham Foodbank helped show that in the locations where the five-week wait for Universal Credit was introduced there was a spike in Foodbank referrals and the #5weekstoolong campaign was born.

"Our statistics for May and June may suggest to the authorities, at council and government level, that there was a reduced need at this time and wrongly influence their understanding of the situation. We sadly know from our conversations with those that work with people throughout Wrexham that it isn’t true that the level of need declined.

"Many of the projects that have started in recent months are short term due to the finance and resources available, and are not sustainable in the long term.

"We anticipate an increase in referrals as these projects come to an end, alongside the reduction in the national furlough schemes and a lifting of other beneficial arrangements made concerning debt and rent."

Sally said the food bank is well stocked and prepared for this expected season and wants to take the opportunity to thank everyone who supports the scheme and to encourage all 150 of its referral agencies to use the established service.

She continued: "A combined approach of their professional abilities and experience, with our resource of food parcels, toiletries, pet food, cooking courses, nutrition and budgeting sessions, fuel vouchers and volunteers trained to befriend and signpost, will provide hope and help to all those in crisis in their journey out of poverty.

"We contribute to a multi-agency approach to supporting individuals and families by regularly donating food from our warehouse to others such as The Salvation Army, The Venture, The Caia Park Partnership, AVOW, The Foyer, Cais, WFTR, Holiday Hunger and Given to Shine.

"We are so grateful for the people of Wrexham who continue to volunteer, donate and support the Wrexham Foodbank, it really is a charity run by the community for the community.

"If you would like to donate to the Foodbank we would really like some toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel, deodorant and packets (not tins) of soup.

"Our warehouse on the Puleston Industrial Estate is open Tuesdays and Fridays 10-3 or you can donate in most supermarket stores.

"Finance can be sent in the post or there is the option to donate via PayPal on our website www.wrexham.foodbank.org.uk.

"Please do follow us on Facebook and Twitter too for up to date news."