This year, in response to the cost of living crisis, members of the Diocesan Conference voted to support the work of the Trussell Trust which runs a network of foodbanks across the UK. There are eight Trussell Trust foodbanks which service communities across the Diocese of St Asaph. These are based in Pensarn, Rhyl, Prestatyn, Vale of Clwyd, Mold, Wrexham, Oswestry(which serves the Welsh borders) and Welshpool. In addition, each foodbank runs satellite distribution and collection points in smaller towns and communities.

In recent years, the Trussell Trust has seen a rise in the number of people being referred to foodbanks for emerency food support. An increasing number of those coming to foodbanks are working people and families whose wages do not cover the cost of day to day living. At the same time, the Trussell Trust has seen a decline in donations - less is being donated at collection points such as at the back of churches or in supermarkets.

While foodbanks offer vital support to many people in our communities at the moment, the Trussell Trust is campaigning for a world in which foodbanks are not necessary. It has a vision to see everyone in our society being able to afford to feed themselves and for their work to be unnecessary. You can find out more in this interview with Rachael from the Trussell Trust.