“We can turn the tide”: Food bank warns demand is on the up during ministerial visit

A food bank’s efforts to support its community have been praised by a Welsh Government minister.

Social justice secretary Jane Hutt visited Rhymney Valley Foodbank’s base in Aberbargoed last week, where she was quizzed on the Welsh Government’s plans to tackle food poverty.

Ms Hutt was joined on the visit by Islwyn’s Labour MS Rhianon Passmore, as well as Caerphilly Council’s cabinet member for communities, Carol Andrews.

The purpose of the visit, on Thursday March 13, was to unveil a new logo for the food bank, with entries submitted by pupils at nearby Ysgol Bro Sannan.

Rhymney Valley Foodbank has helped thousands of people over the past ten years in the Upper Rhymney Valley – an area the food bank’s manager, Steve Jones, describes as one of the most deprived areas in Wales.

Sat amongst the tins of food stretching floor to ceiling, Ms Hutt, Ms Passmore, and Cllr Andrews spoke to three people who rely on the food bank to make it through the week.

One member said he was “in a right mess” when he first came to the foodbank, which has a base in St Peter’s Church. However, Steve was able to point him to resources in the area to help.

He continued: “It’s more than just a food bank. I was almost in tears the first day I came here, it was a real low point.

“Steve gave me loads of tips and advice, and while I’m not ‘fixed’, I’m in a much better place now.”

Ms Hutt explained that while “we shouldn’t be in a position where we need foodbanks”, she is “grateful” they’re so well run and helping communities find essential services.

Cllr Andrews meanwhile added how “unfortunate” it is that there are so many foodbanks in Caerphilly.

Catherine Barwick, who is the foodbank’s campaign coordinator, spoke about the alarming number of people relying on their services.

She said: “We passionately want to see an end to foodbanks, but the need for them is only on the rise.

“Last year, we gave away around 5,000 food parcels. It’s March and we’ve already had to distribute over 6,000 this year.

“We’d like to see Welsh Government step up and do something about this issue, which has lots of root causes such as the rising costs in our supermarkets, and public transport costs.”

Ms Barwick went on to say how difficult it is for people to access fresh food in particular, blaming rising costs and access to major supermarkets in and around the Upper Rhymney Valley.

Ms Hutt pointed at recent schemes introduced by Welsh Government, including free breakfast for all primary school children, and £1 buses for people under 21, but said “we’d like to have more power”, adding that people should be signposted to grants and services which are “their right”.

After the discussions, Reverend Mark Owen spoke to everyone inside the church, again highlighting the “vital support” food banks provide, but wishing they didn’t need to exist.

Speaking more widely about Trussell foodbanks, Rev Owen said they distributed 83,000 food parcels between April and September last year, with the one in Aberbargoed donating 2,500 during that time.

He added: “We can turn the tide. Welsh Government must use every available power to lower and eventually end food poverty in Wales.”

Responding, Ms Hutt said these issues are “discussed frequently” in the Senedd, before announcing the three finalists of the logo competition.

Steve said the pupils there, and all those at Ysgol Bro Sannan who support the charity, are the true “community champions”.