Islwyn MP Chris Evans is urging people to donate to food banks this Christmas to help people struggling to meet food bills.
The Labour politician recently joined staff at Tesco Extra in Risca and Crosskeys councillor Michael Gray to help launch the National Food Collection.
The collection is part of the biggest ever food appeal in the UK. Recent research shows that as many as one in ten people have skipped meals or had to rely on family or friends for food in the last year.
In Gwent last year food banks handed out over 22,000 meals to thousands of families who could not afford to put a meal on the table.
Mr Evans said: “I have attended several community events at Tesco Extra and they are a great friend to the town of Risca.
“Unfortunately food donations are becoming more and more common with many households now reliant on the generosity of others.
“Appeals such as this do fantastic work for families struggling to make ends meet and I was hugely impressed by the generosity of shoppers in Risca.”