Church Foodbank Demand Soars in Cost-of-Living Crisis

The cost-of-living crisis has directly caused an increase in foodbank users nationwide. The church is called to step into help those in need and in South Wales, congregations are rallying to provide for the struggling community around them.

Fr Gareth Coombes, vicar in the Taff Rhymney Ministry Area and one of the leads to the Taff Bargoed Foodbank team said, “In terms of the cost of all areas of fuel, gas and electricity, those types of things, the increase is just huge and people are struggling. People just don't know what to choose whether food or bills.”

Vicki Rawlinson, Neath Foodbank Co-Ordinator said, “People are paying their bills and then eating comes last in some cases… We had an individual last week who said she could not do anymore hours and she still wasn’t making ends meet. I feel we see far too many women with children who have no support and we see quite a few people in domestic abuse situations.”

Rev’d Lynda Newman, Afon Nedd Ministry Area said, “people who depend on their car to use for their job can’t afford to put petrol in their car to come down to the foodbank and they will walk all that way.”

Taff Bargoed Community Foodbank in Nelson became part of the Trussell Trust at the beginning of the pandemic. Since then, thanks to grants and partnerships, the team have opened a second distribution centre in Treharris to keep up with the demand for more foodbank services.

In addition to more people needing foodbanks, the crisis is increased as donations and supplies to distribution centres dwindle.

In Treharris, Fr Gareth said, “Physical donations of food have dropped off completely. So, there's very little that's coming in from the community in our drop off and collection points. We're having to rely on grant funding and working with partners and types of charitable organisations, in order that we can keep our shelves stocked.”

Neath Foodbank is also part of the Trussell Trust and run by churches of all denominations in the area including St Illtyd’s. Neath too has seen an increase in demand and a reduction in donations as people continue to struggle.

Cath Archard, volunteer at the Neath Foodbank, said, “It’s important that we make the people who come here [to the foodbank] feel comfortable. They are almost ashamed of the fact that they cannot feed their families, and they shouldn’t feel like that. It is not their fault. They are trying their best… If there is no one there to help them get out of it, it is a downward spiral, and they really need support. We don’t have any judgment; there but for the grace of God go I.”

Although there may be a shortage of donations, in Taff Bargoed there is no shortage of volunteer spirit and the community has responded.

“Some of the stories that we hear are really humbling and the communities really are supportive,” said Fr Gareth. “There are volunteers from within the community, there are volunteers from within the church congregations and other denominations have come on board to help as well. So, it's really bringing the community together. We've got a team of dedicated long-term volunteers who have been with us from the very beginning, and we are bringing people on board all the time.”

Coordinators at the foodbanks of both Neath and Taff Bargoed are calling people to donate if they can.

Fr Gareth said one of the ways the crisis can begin to improve is “supporting those organisations that are trying to help because there is very little support and financial support for us. More support and investment from the people that can make a difference will help us make a difference.”

“It's a passion of mine reaching out into the community and practically, providing ways to help is just living the gospel. It really is working. That's why we do it.”