Banc Bwyd Pwllheli Foodbank

We offer support in the form of food packs, toiletries, cleaning materials and other essentials to families and individuals in need in the local area.

If you'd like to make a donation our bank details are:
Sort Code: 30 90 43 Account: 47736068

The idea of a local Foodbank started in the summer of 2012, in the check-out queue at ASDA. There was a young girl with a full trolley, and a toddler in tow. Her card was refused, and the only things she could afford were a pack of nappies and a large white loaf. This was deeply upsetting, and according to the person on the till, not an uncommon happening, as this was at the height of Pay Day loans being really easy to get and very difficult to repay. Loan companies were aware that a large amount of cash taken at once would be declined, so took numerous small amounts instead. After much discussion in St Peters Church, and consultation with local chapels and organisations such as the Job Centre, the Foodbank began in February 2013.

Our customers are referred to us by frontline professionals such as Social Services, agencies dealing with homelessness, extreme poverty, addiction and mental health problems and many others. When customers visit us with their referral voucher we give a basic pack with food for three days – breakfast, a snack meal and a main meal with pudding, plus bread, spread and jam. We offer tea, coffee and sugar, plus ketchup – many people will enjoy a simple meal more with a splash of tomato sauce. Also on offer are basic toiletries, cleaning materials, tin openers and toilet paper and kitchen roll. We do keep a stock of baby wipes, food and nappies. Any food that does not fit in the basic pack is put out for customers to choose themselves. Clothing and particularly bedding is welcome – many people live in damp accommodation, and in bad weather it is impossible to get washing dry, especially without funds to pay for a tumble dryer. We welcome donations of pet food – many customers value the pets above themselves, and feed them first.
We operate from St Peters Church Pwllheli, opening between 2 And 3pm on Tuesday and Friday afternoons. In the winter Lunch Club is open between 12. 30 and 1. 30 when a free hot meal is offered to anyone who cares to join us.
Banc Bwyd is part of the Church in Wales, but we operate as an independent body, run by a small management team and a group of wonderful volunteers. We rely on local donations, either via a church, chapel, school etc, or directly to us. We have a collection trolley in the local Co op store in Pwllheli, and are most grateful for donations from local companies such as Harlech Foods, Lidl, Wilko and Co-op.