Food bank at risk of temporary closure as stock runs out 

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Rhymney Valley Foodbank is at risk of temporarily closing with stock almost running out.

The food bank, which had ten tonnes of stock back in early March, could close as early as April 13.

Food parcels have been made up for the vouchers that have already come in but ongoing services are at risk, according to Steve Jones, food bank operations manager. 

Steve told Caerphilly Observer more about the problem: “I’m literally looking at one of our baskets and there are six tins of beans in there.

“We’ll get through today by the skin of our teeth,” he said, “I doubt we’ll get through tomorrow.”

Steve added that while the food bank has always been very busy, there had been a marked increase lately. 

He said: “[In] Quarter three and Quarter four of the last financial year, we were on our knees [with] the amount of emergency food parcels that we were fulfilling.”

The food bank which covers Rhymney, New Tredegar and Aberbargoed, has already provided 200 individuals with food so far this month, according to Steve.  

Though there is £5,000 worth of food on order, this may not come until the end of the month and so the food bank is now asking for much-needed donations in order to keep providing a service. 

“What we are most desperate for is UHT milk, pasta sauce, fish, meat, soup, tinned fruit and vegetables,” said Steve, adding that tea and coffee are also needed.

Anyone who is able to help can contact Rhymney Valley Foodbank on info@rhymneyvalley.foodbank.org.uk

According to information provided on Rhymney Valley Foodbank’s Facebook page, there is a permanent collection point in Tesco in Ystrad Mynach and Morrisons in Bargoed.

Donations can also be received at St Peter’s Church, Aberbargoed and at hubs in New Tredegar and Rhymney.