A church in Trethomas has opened a foodbank to help deliver food parcels to those in need in the community.
St Thomas’ Church on Heol yr Ysgol opened The Food Hub on Monday, March 23, and has been delivering up to twenty emergency food parcels a day.
The initiative, organised by the parish churches of Bedwas, Machen, Michaelston-y-Fedw and Rudry (BMMR), has recruited a team of volunteers to help distribute food throughout the community.
The Food Hub, which is one of several services run by the church’s ‘Care Project’, isn’t currently open for members of the public to walk in. Instead, those in need of support are being encouraged to fill in an assistance form online, or call their helpline on 02921 880 212.
The hub is also receiving referrals from local GP practices and the council, and has relied upon food donations from organisations including Glanmor’s Bakery and the Co-op.
Dean Roberts, rector and vicar of BMMR, said: “We as a church have been kicked into gear by the Coronavirus outbreak. We want to make an impact by living out our faith by helping people.
“At this worrying time, people shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help. Get in touch with us and we will help in any way we can.
“It’s important to realise you’re not alone at this time. Even if you are self-isolating, you don’t have to be isolated from reaching out for support.”
BMMR’s Care Project coordinates over 80 volunteers that provide community support including the delivery of prescriptions, collection and delivery of shopping, an over the phone listening service, and virtual church services online.
Talking about the need for volunteers at this time, Mr Roberts said: “If somebody feels capable of helping they can visit our website or give us a call.
“We have many different roles available here, from sorting food at the hub to delivering parcels and picking up prescriptions in the community.
“For those who are avoiding non-essential contact you can still volunteer with us from home by taking inbound calls and signposting people to other services available.”
For a full list of support provided by BMMR, visit https://bmmr.church/coronavirus/.