RHYL’S largest foodbank has been stripped bare over the summer holidays.

Fiona Davies, project leader of The Foryd Community Centre foodbank, is urging residents to support the hard pressed charity which in August handed about 100 food parcels - each capable of feeding a small family for up to five days.

Over the past six months, the charity has been inundated with referrals due to delays in benefit payments following the introduction of Universal Credit, which in turn has been exacerbated by increased demand as children are at home during the summer holidays.

Ms Davies said: “It’s both a supply and demand issue. We’re not getting as much in as we need while at the same time we have consistently been handing out close to 100 parcels every month since April.

“We can hold significantly more food that we’re receiving.”

The charity specifically focuses on given short-term emergency food packages, with 80 percent of referrals being a one off, and also overs four week support to people experiencing benefit delays.

Due to its size, location and it’s availability Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm, the foodbank attracts many of the town’s referrals.

In addition to donations from the public, the charity also uses funds raised by the Community Centre’s cafe and transport service.

Until recently, these reserves have been left untouched but are now regularly being used to cover the lack of donations, as well as cover a deficit of specific items such as tinned goods and crackers, as well as instant pasta and noodles for people in temporary housing.

Ms Davies added; “It’s also a question of getting the right food stuff.

“While demand has increased with the school holidays, the trend goes back about six months as a lot of people are being moved into temporary housing due to delays in receiving their Universal Credit

“Some families are having to give up their homes, and if they're staying in places like the Westminster Hotel they might only have a toaster or a kettle to cook with.”

Donations to the foodbank can be made at the Community Centre on Princes Street during its opening hours. For more information contact the foodbank on 01745 339779.