A FOODBANK is calling for Arfon residents to help feed the hungry and combat poverty by adapting a Christmas time tradition.

Arfon Foodbank, which is part of Trussell Trust’s nationwide network of foodbanks, is asking people to reverse their Advent calendar activity.

The simple idea is that people put aside food in the days running up to Christmas, to share with someone less fortunate, and take it to the local foodbank.

Lowri Jones, from Arfon Foodbank, said: “The idea is simple, rather than the usual advent calendar where you open a window a day to get a chocolate or some other small gift, you add a non-perishable food item or hygiene product to a box which you will then donate to your local food bank.”

The Foodbank says that more contributions are much needed.

In October, 2.973kg of food was distributed in Arfon, with only 2.411kg collected.

It was also estimated over the summer that if the rate of people needing their services would stay on the same level for the rest of the year, they would see a 27% increase in the demand.

Lowri added: “Christmas should be a special time for everyone in society.

“But we know that this is not true and that many will be facing a crisis, have trouble feeding themselves and the family over Christmas.

“December is always our busiest time of the year with a predicted increase of over 40% on previous months.

“At a time when many are facing hardship, those of us who are more comfortable should remember that it is better to give than to receive.

“Nine months into the current year, we have already provided food parcels for 1,864 people, 803 of them children.

“Food can be donated at many stores in Caernarfon and Bangor. We would be grateful of any donation, big or small.

“Let us look after each other and give to those in need.”

As well as the stores, there will also be collection points at the Gwyl Fwyd Caernarfon Christmas Fair, held in the former Celtica shop, Caernarfon, and Galeri Caernarfon, both on the same date, Saturday, December 7.

The food items that are most urgently needed are things like tinned meat, tinned fruits, tea bags, coffee, squashes, UHT milk and breakfast cereals.

The Arfon Foodbank provides three days of nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to people who are referred in crisis.

Details at 07482 253754, website http://arfon.foodbank.org.uk or email info@arfon.foodbank.org.uk