Foodbanks and Caerphilly County Borough Council are encouraging people who need to access emergency food parcels to use a new streamlined support service.
There have been concerns that people who need to access services haven’t been able to negotiate the system in place following the coronavirus lockdown.
The council have developed a new service, with those in need encouraged to send an email to communityregen@caerphilly.gov.uk.
From there, a council triage worker will assess what support is needed and make a referral to a local foodbank.
There are four Trussell Trust registered foodbanks in the county – in Caerphilly, Blackwood, New Tredegar and Risca – while several other support services have been set up by volunteers in the community.
Steve Harris, who manages the Caerphilly Foodbank at the Connect Life Church on Crescent Road, told Caerphilly Observer: “We are currently receiving a lot of calls from people who can’t get out and about and can’t get hold of food vouchers.
“The important thing now is getting those vouchers to people in need in a timely manner.”
The council were careful to reiterate that this new referral service isn’t appropriate for those self-isolating or social distancing. Instead, the council advises people to check what other support services are available on their website and in the community.
Council chief executive Christina Harrhy said: “We have a range of options available to help those in need, such as deferring payments for council tax and business rents.
“We recognise that everyone’s circumstances are different so it’s important to get in touch so that we can explore the best way forward.”
Foodbanks in the county are currently experiencing a high level of demand, however food stocks appear healthy with donations from the public and organisations.
Emma Revie, Chief Executive of the Trussell Trust said: “Food banks sometimes run low on certain items, and we know there are different pressures on stocks in different areas.
“A crisis can often bring out the best in people, and we encourage everyone to carry on donating after checking their local food bank’s website to see which items are most needed.
“The resilience of food banks is nothing short of outstanding, and I know that wherever possible, volunteers will be working tirelessly to continue providing support to people unable to afford the essentials.”
Anybody who wishes to donate food to their local foodbank can now check online what items are most needed locally and should contact their nearest centre to arrange an appropriate donation.
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