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When Rhymney Valley Foodbank nearly closed its doors in April because of a lack of stock, Ysgol Bro Sannan sprang into action. 

The Welsh-medium primary school in Aberbargoed started a food collection, while students worked together to write a letter to their MP.

But that was just the start.

Ben, 11, decided to go to Morrisons to buy some stock for the food bank. He was happy to use his pocket money to buy canned food and chocolate.

He said: “I just felt like I should be helping.” 

Another student, Max, 10, went to the food bank to help out directly as he lives across the street. He’s now the youngest volunteer. 

The students were already invested because they’d started working with the food bank back in September 2022 as part of the new curriculum for Wales.

Teacher Mr Huw Darch said: “We were really eager at the start of this year to get out into the community.” 

What may have been just a one-off visit became a long-term working relationship, largely thanks to the enthusiasm and commitment of the students. 

Mr Darch added that “the children were really, really engaged” almost straight away.

Nine-year-old student Bleidd said: “When we started the work I was like – this is going to be boring.

“Since we met Lisa and Steve [from Rhymney Valley Foodbank] I got inspired by their work and how they help people.” 

And so pupils from different year groups took on various tasks, including starting a Christmas food bank collection, writing letters to Senedd Members and MPs, creating information posters and packing emergency food parcels.

It’s provided many learning opportunities as students have used the food bank as a case study for academic learning – using statistics to improve their numeracy skills, and letter writing to work on sentence structure. 

It’s also helped pupils gain an understanding of current events, as Evan, 11, demonstrated when he said: “The cost of living is going up. So the food bank really helped people that can’t afford food.”

But more than anything it’s taught them about where they live and more about everyday life. 

“It’s just getting them to understand that they’re important, but there’s so much more that goes into maintaining a community,” said Mr Darch. 

He continued: “It’s real-life learning,” adding that he’s seen students learn how to handle difficult topics, ask important questions and talk about topics in a deep and meaningful way. 

 “We’ve seen them able to have these more in-depth debates,” added Mr Darch. 

Now, students want to raise awareness of the good work done by Rhymney Valley Foodbank but also let other children know what they’ve learnt – showing them that there’s a lot to be gained from getting involved with the community.

Eira, 10, was “proud” when she donated through school collections and said: “I have been bringing food into school to give to the food bank to help the unfortunate who can’t afford it.”

She went shopping with her mother to pick up the food and donated tins, cereal and long-lasting milk.

Bleidd, 9, said: “When you have spare time try and help a food bank. It’s good if you help people.”

They also want other children to reflect on what they have, as Taryn, 11, said: “It really got to me more than I thought it would because it made me realise how lucky I am to have to have everything I have.”

She added: “If someone like your parents doesn’t get you the new iPhone 14…don’t be upset about it.

“There’s a lot of people who don’t have enough money to even have a roof over their head.”

Chloe, 10, said: “Be grateful for what you’ve got.”

Steve Jones, food bank operations manager at Rhymney Valley Foodbank, is certainly grateful for the help and support from the school. 

He said: “I would like to say on behalf of Rhymney Valley Foodbank, thanks to each and every one of you, thank you for having us in your heart.

“Thanks for going home and telling your parents about what’s gone on in recent weeks with the food bank,” he added, “pass on my thanks to them for whatever support they have given.”

Support is key for the Rhymney Valley Foodbank, which has seen an increase in people using its services. 

According to the Trussell Trust, the food bank provided more than 4,500 food parcels in the first two and a half months of 2023 alone – one of the biggest increases in Wales compared to last year.

The school and the food bank intend to continue their relationship, perhaps with another visit or ongoing collections and awareness. 

One thing is for sure – the children have taken the food bank to heart. 

“This school is a very special school,” said Mr Darch, “it’s got a massive heart.”