A few weeks ago, I had the honour to meet the volunteers at the Kings Storehouse foodbank in Rhyl. The Kings Storehouse in an independent foodbank run by volunteers from the Wellspring Christian Centre. It was founded in 2012 when the church saw people locally who had fallen on hard times, many through no fault of their own, and the church members rose to the challenge to try and assist. It was initially supported just by the members of the Wellspring church, who, every time they went shopping, would buy extra items of food or essentials and bring them to church each Sunday. They also have a trolley at Sainsbury's in Rhyl, where shoppers can have the opportunity to fill up the trolley and then proceeds are duly donated to the foodbank. It's also getting great support from local businesses, organisations and members of the public.

The implications of Plaid's motion and the perception amongst the wider public are that foodbanks shouldn't exist, or that they are a new phenomenon. This ignores the history, because churches and charities have always supported those in need within their communities. From the very founding of the Christian faith on these shores, helping those in need was at the core of the faith. Valle Crucis abbey in Denbighshire was established by Cistercian monks who grew food to give to the poor. Those entering monastic life gave up their worldly goods to pursue an oath of poverty, and any riches collected were used to help those in need. These principles have survived down the ages—