Local Foodbanks

13 million people live below the poverty line in the UK. Every day people go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income. Foodbanks, such as Taff-Ely Foodbank, provide a minimum of three days emergency food and support to people experiencing crisis.

A primary school boy stopped attending school recently because he could not face the embarrassment of having no money for lunch. The school’s liaison officer discovered there was no food at home, except a little oats and milk. The mother’s purse was empty.

The mother explained that her husband had left her and that the benefits were in his name. He had not been contributing towards child care since leaving and when she informed the Benefits Agency all benefits were stopped, including child benefit, because of her ‘change in circumstances’.

Officially, additional benefits like free school meals are not available to children unless parents can prove that they are in receipt of benefits.

Fortunately, a foodbank was able to step in to help, enabling the boy to return to school.

In Wales there are 35 Trussell Trust foodbanks with over 100 centres. Taff Ely Foodbank has 5 centres. Foodbank vouchers can only be granted to those in need by authorised bodies. From GP to debt counsellor, housing association officer to probation officer, these professionals make a decision as to whether the food bank service would benefit an individual or not.

It’s very easy to make assumptions but there are people suffering extraordinary circumstances who have nothing in our local communities. People who, until recently, wouldn’t have dreamed they’d be using such a service.

We’d like to thank all of the people who have already generously supported this worthy cause in the past, and would like to encourage local residents to help their neighbours who may be struggling this Christmas, through donating to the Foodbank. Even the smallest of donations are greatly appreciated and will make a significant difference to the receiver.

Foodbank Opening Times