PLAID Cymru MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Liz Saville Roberts, has hailed the “phenomenal work” of foodbanks in her constituency, after visiting two, to highlight the growing demand for their services.

Mrs Saville Roberts volunteered at the South Gwynedd Foodbank in Barmouth and the Pwllheli Foodbank at St Peter’s Church.

During a tour of the foodbank hub in Barmouth, Mrs Saville Roberts was told of further plans to develop the building into a community facility.

Figures revealed Wales has the highest rate of foodbank use in the UK, with 4,140 food parcels distributed per 100,000 people.

The Plaid Cymru MP has accused the UK Government of turning a blind eye to the cost-of-living crisis and offering no meaningful solution to tackle to scourge of poverty and inequality.

She said: “The cost-of-living crisis is having a devastating impact on people in my Dwyfor Meirionnydd constituency and all over Wales.

“As elsewhere in the UK, an increasing number of families are being forced to eat or to heat.

“It is no surprise that Wales has the highest rate of food bank use in the UK with 4,140 food parcels distributed per 100,000 people.

“People are turning to food banks as they have no other choice.

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“From Barmouth to Pwllheli in my own constituency, foodbanks, and community food share schemes are a lifeline to a growing number of people struggling with the cost of living – which will only get worse as the crisis deepens.

“Food banks have no place in 21st-century Britain.

“It is a damning reflection of this UK Tory Government’s failed economic and welfare policies that so many of our most vulnerable people are now dependent on strangers for support.

“It’s absolutely scandalous that foodbanks have to exist in what is one of the largest economies in the world – and that the demand for the service they provide is still growing.

“It is down to the generosity of volunteer-run South Gwynedd Foodbank in Barmouth and the Pwllheli Foodbank which operates out of St Peter's Church, that those in need of support are able to get by.

“The people who support and run our food banks really are unsung heroes and do amazing work to help the most vulnerable in our community. They are making a real difference to people’s lives.

“Any donation will be a great help to the hardworking individuals at the Barmouth and Pwllheli foodbank who deliver such an important service to local people in need, all year round.

“People need everything if they are going to foodbanks, it’s not just food essentials, it’s life essentials. Things like toothpaste, sanitary products, shower gel as well as food.”