More and more people are finding themselves in hardship due to increasing food prices, energy prices and freezes on pay meaning they struggle to provide adequate meals to support their family. People are finding themselves needing to turn to food banks.

Food banks have been set up throughout the UK to help those families in need and the number of people benefiting from emergency food has increased year on year with 280,000 being fed in 2012 compared to 128,000 in 2011. In April 2014 Trussell reported that they had handed out 913,000 food parcels in the last year, up from 347,000 the year before. Trussell Trust said it had issued more than 500,000 food parcels in the six months lead up to November 2016.

Back in April 2013 we reported on some leading supermarkets joining forces to help with emergency food parcels where the Caerphilly Town Centre Management team has helped to co-ordinate the collection and distribution to the Food Banks.

Each food bank operates their own system. Most food banks need a referral or food bank voucher from an advice agency. Typically you cannot just show up and food is usually available for a time-limited basis only. To get a food bank voucher contact one of the advice agencies (like Citizens Advice) or telephone or speak to a customer service adviser.

Caerphilly County Borough Food Bank Locations

Rhymney Valley Foodbank

 Rhymney Valley foodbank

St Dingat’s Church
Church Terrace
New Tredegar
NP24 6HF

Telephone: 07432 322906

E-mail: info@rhymneyvalley.foodbank.org.uk

Hours of operation: Thursday 10:30-12:30

Blackwood & District Foodbank

Blackwood District foodbankOasis Christian Centre
Bryn Road
Blackwood
NP12 3LY

Telephone: 07743 201611 or 07971 668547

E-mail: m_steele4@sky.com

Hours of operation: Thursday 10:00-12:00

Risca Foodbank

Risca foodbankThe Salvation Army
66a Commercial Street,
Risca
NP11 6BA

Telephone: 07599 973312 or 01633 613794

E-mail: info@risca.foodbank.org.uk

Hours of operation: Monday 10:00-12:00, Wednesday 10:00-12:00, Friday 10:00-12:00

Bridging the Gap Foodbank

Connect Life Church
Crescent Road
Caerphilly
CF83 1AB

Telephone: 029 2086 8593 or 07980 132410

Hours of operation: Wednesday 09:30-12:30, Friday 09:30-12:30