A top North Wales restuarant is taking part in a scheme which delivers food packages to the vulnerable during the coronavirus crisis.

The “neges” scheme, operated by social enterprise Menter Môn and Dylan’ , is working with Gwynedd & Anglesey  councils to help feed those most in need during the pandemic - complementing the extraordinary effort being made by food banks and community volunteers.

The scheme also provides food for staff at Ysbyty Gwynedd and Ysbyty Glan Clwyd that can’t access to the canteen because of the current restrictions.

Dylan’s have provided the use of their producing unit in Llangefni and the staff for free,  with packages having also been provided to homeless people who are now living in temporary accommodation.

David Evans, one of Dylan’s co-founders, said: “Once we were able to put arrangements in place for our business we were eager to concentrate on helping the community that supports us.

“Because we’re feeding thousands of people per week, this was an obvious way to contribute.”

Dafydd Gruffydd, manager director of Menter Môn added: “We had been looking at how to distribute food but have been struggling to find a suitable partner, so when Dylan’s contacted with us everything fell into place.

“We have been coordinating reference arrangements and paying for ingredients and Dylan’s then prepares the food and distributed them.”

The food packages include individual meals produced by Dylan’s alongside other foods such as bread, milk, juice, cereal, tinned foods, fruit and veg.

Most of the produce have been sourced locally, also ensuring support for local businesses that are also facing a hard time during this period.

Funding has been secured through Môn Larder – a Welsh Government scheme to develop the food supplying chain.

The Cabinet Member for children and supporting families for Gwynedd Council, Cllr Dilwyn Morgan said:  “It lifts someone’s spirits to see the joint-working that’s happening between the public sector, social enterprises and the private sector.

“This shows what we can achieve through coming together for the sake of people on a truly local level. Thanks to those involved for your dedication and for making a true difference.” 

Meanwhile, Anglesey Council was also successful in a £25,000 grant bid from Magnox’s Covid 19 Relief Fund, in partnership with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA)

As well as boosting the neges project, funds will also be invested  into provisions for Amlwch Foodbank and also to buy 3D printers for Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones to make protective visors for key workers and volunteers.

Chair of Wylfa’s Site Stakeholder Group and councillor for the Twrcelyn Ward, Aled Morris Jones, added: “What Magnox and the NDA have done to support communities, financially and through provision of equipment, is very generous.

“That staff have given of their time to volunteer to assist in their communities is inspirational. It shows the nuclear family coming together to support each other.

“We will beat this virus together and we will all meet again in happier times.”