Food bank collecting donations from doorsteps

A food bank set up at the start of the coronavirus pandemic is now collecting donations from people’s doorsteps.

Each month, residents will be able to leave donations on their doorsteps as part of the CARE Collection scheme, which was first trialled in October.

Five tonnes of food was donated during the trial – the equivalent of two rhinoceroses.

As part of the scheme, volunteers will collect non-perishable food, such as tinned food, as well as toiletries.

The scheme is run by the CARE Project, which was set up in March by Reverend Dean Roberts of the BMMR (Bedwas, Machen, Michaelston-y-Fedw and Rudry) Parish Trust.

The CARE Project, which delivers food parcels to those in need in the community, has supported more than 6,000 people since it started.

Currently, there are more than 160 volunteers in the scheme, taking on roles such as handling support lines, organising deliveries, collecting food donations and delivery drivers.

Collections will take place in streets where there is a volunteer living.

Volunteers will be posting leaflets around their streets to make people aware of the scheme, before collecting the food from the street to take it to the food hub, which has been set up at St Thomas’ Church in Trethomas.

The next donation will be held this weekend (November 28 and 29).

Siân Connolly, food procurement officer for the CARE Project, told Caerphilly Observer the food donated through the collection scheme will go directly to people who have requested support from the scheme.

The CARE Project is currently looking for more volunteers to help with tasks such as packing and delivering food parcels, collecting medicine, shopping, answering calls and admin work.

Anyone interested in volunteering can find out more by visiting theparishtrust.org.uk/care/

The CARE Project helpline is open from 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday and can be reached on 02921 880 212.