Over a thousand people helped by church food bank

A food bank set up in Trethomas during the coronavirus lockdown has already helped more than 1,300 people in the community. 

Bedwas, Machen, Michaelston-y-Fedw and Rudry Churches (BMMR) set up the ‘Food Hub’ in St Thomas’ Church on Heol yr Ysgol on March 23 – the day Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the lockdown in the UK.

Food parcels parcels were sent out to 1283 people in April alone and May has also been a busy month.

The hub is open Monday to Friday and offers a number of other services including a click and collect delivery service and pastoral care for those who have been left feeling isolated during the lockdown.

To keep up with demand, the Food Hub has been reliant on donations from the Tesco store in Trethomas.

Reverend Dean Roberts from BMMR Parish Trust, said: “Demand is extremely high and it’s increasing all the time. 

“Single parents in particular are struggling – often they would need to find the bus fare for themselves and their kids to get to the nearest large supermarket in Caerphilly, then try to fit as much shopping as possible on a pram.  

“Everyone at Tesco in Trethomas has been brilliant. As well as the food donations, they’ve been providing refreshments for our army of more than a hundred volunteers at the hub. 

“We’re getting loads of donations including bakery items, fresh fruit and vegetables – a lot of it is Tesco Finest – which means we’re able to give people really good quality and nutritional produce.”