Llanelli Rotary Club members have made a significant contribution to the town's Food Bank.

And last week they received first-hand news about how the Food Bank is distributing food to the needy in Llanelli.

The Rotary club's guest speaker at their weekly meeting at the Stradey Park Hotel was Food Bank co-ordinator Claire Childs, who explained how the food is distributed from Myrtle House in Llanelli.

The Rotary club members, and staff at Llanelli Rural Council, collected more than 65kg of food for the Myrtle House Food Bank.

Club president Graham Williams said members had been shocked to discover the level of need in Llanelli.

Mr Williams added: "Rotary Club members have been impressed with the way the Myrtle House operation is organised. There are safeguards in place to make sure the food goes to those truly in need and everything works very efficiently.

"I know that members of the Rotary Club were shocked to discover the level of need in Llanelli for the Food Bank service. With the recession biting again, it is more than likely that this level of need will accelerate.

"Fortunately, Llanelli is known for being a 'giving and caring community' and I am sure the people of the town will rally around the Food Bank cause and support it in any way it can, be it through donations of food or people giving their time to help as volunteers."

Last month the Food Bank, which is based in Myrtle Terrace, gave food aid to 163 people.

Now it is appealing for urgent help from the public to meet the need.

Co-ordinator Claire Childs told Rotarians: "The problem is massive. We are hearing from more agencies and more people are becoming involved. But we are running out of food quite quickly. We are really struggling at the moment because the demand has got so big so quickly."

Back in May this year the number of needy people seeking essential food aid had doubled to almost 100 people.

Many had literally nothing in the house at all, said Claire.

She said: "We really need food at the moment. If anybody wants to come and donate food or bring it to the food bank, we are open five days a week, from 10am to 1pm.

"We don't buy food, we rely on food donated by local people. It is a case of the community helping itself."

She said there were many reasons for the crises affecting so many people in Llanelli.

"I think there's a general tightening of belts all round. Everyone, whether or not they are vulnerable in society and even people who are moderately affluent are having to tighten their belts.

"It's just difficult for everyone. A lot of people are having benefit delays because of the financial climate we have."

The service started up in March and is helped by the Elim Church.

Donations of tinned and non-perishable food are being sought.

Claire added: "A lot of the people who come to us for help are very vulnerable. We gave out nearly a tonne of food last month. It's a lot of food. A lot of people who would have gone hungry are being helped."

All food aid donations are gratefully received contact Myrtle House on 01554 756051 or visit http://myrtlehouse.org.uk