TOWN COUNCIL GOES SHOPPING FOR FOOD BANK SUPPLIES

17 March, 2020

Blaenavon Town Council has purchased essential food and toiletries to bolster current supplies at the town’s food bank.
The council was made aware of a shortage – especially of toiletries, nappies and baby milk - due to a surge in public demand at supermarkets.
Clerk Kevin Warren, Cllr Emma Harvey and food bank coordinator Suzanne Walters went shopping this morning to stock up on extras and essential everyday items. The food bank is run by Victory Church in Broad Street and takes place every Thursday from 12.30-2.30pm. You have to be referred in order to be able to receive produce, either by your GP or an agency such as health visitors, social workers and Citizens Advice.
Healthy Blaenavon Officer Rebecca Smith can also refer people and is available on 01495 790643 or by emailing rebecca.smith@blaenavontowncouncil.co.uk
An emergency collection point for people wanting to donate supplies will be at Jadeni Hair Design also in Broad Street.
Kevin Warren said: “Figures released by The Trussell Trust, the charity that started food banks, show that more people are using food banks during this difficult period due to the shortage of supplies.
“We didn’t want to see vulnerable people in our community struggling to eat or with hygiene issues during this current worrying time, so we took the decision to ensure that they don’t have to.”
Kevin also paid tribute to the volunteers of Victory Church for turning up every week to run the service to support people who are more deprived than most.
Cllr Harvey said: “It’s important for the whole community to pull together at this difficult time. This is a core function for the Town Council which has today made a positive step to support the wellbeing of Blaenavon residents.”