Food banks in Carmarthenshire are being gifted £42,300 in food vouchers.

Some 14 banks will receive a share of the money in vouchers from income generated from rooftop solar panels on Carmarthenshire County Council buildings.

Each food bank, which has seen a significant rise in demand since the coronavirus pandemic, will be given a list of suppliers they can obtain their goods from.

The donation represents a value of approximately £70,000 for every mega-watt of solar installed, which is the highest single payment per megawatt of installed solar for any community benefit society, commercial solar farm or portfolio in the UK.

Some of the buildings fitted with solar panels include Heol Goffa School in Llanelli, Glan-y-Mor School in Burry Port, Carmarthen Leisure Centre and Xcel Bowl in Carmarthen.

The council’s executive board member for resources and director of Egni Sir Gar, Cllr David Jenkins, said: “Now more than ever people are having to use the foodbanks to put food on their table. It’s a challenging time for everyone as this coronavirus pandemic continues. By recycling our solar interest payment will help towards those that are struggling and cannot afford the essentials of life.”

Egni Sir Gâr Cyfyngedig is an energy community benefit society established by Carmarthenshire County Council in 2015. Since then it has installed 16 rooftop solar on council owned buildings. With a total installed of 636 kWp (kilowatt peak), the electricity generated by these sites over the last 12 months equates to the equivalent of over 290 tonnes of CO2e offset which contributes towards the council’s commitment to become a net zero carbon local authority by 2030

If you are struggling and cannot afford food, then please contact your local food bank.