Newport mayor's food bank appeal

While other food banks continue to struggle over the Christmas period, people in and around the town managed to go above and beyond, stocking not only the Newport Food Bank storage unit but also the overflow storage.

But the town’s mayor, Councillor Peter Scott, said that the good work needs to continue into the New Year.

In a statement on Facebook, the food bank said: “You have all been so amazing in the last week that we have not only filled the storage unit but also our overflow unit as well.

“We have reached the point where we are struggling to sort out and issue food as we can’t move around it.

“It’s a wonderful problem to have but please can we say if you haven’t got it to us already can you keep it till late January.”

Much of the food has come thanks to efforts from schools.

Donations

Haberdashers’ Adams, Newport Girls High School and Longford Pre-School Playgroup have all been involved in collections.

Other donations have come in from Female 77, Newport Rotary Club, Soroptimist International (The Wrekin), St Andrews Church Aston, Clarkes Solicitors, Deli 45 and the Newport and District Beavers.

The food bank said it was ready to support those who need it.

“You’ve helped us,” they wrote. “Can we help you?

“For some in Newport times are hard. High housing costs, low wages, a change in circumstances, zero hour contracts and unexpected bills can all tip an individual or family into trouble.

“You can get a voucher for food from your headteacher, church leader or doctor. Please don’t be shy if you need help get in touch today.”

Councillor Scott said: “The schools have been brilliant.

“The food bank is not clamouring for anything at the moment.

“But once Christmas is over, the need continues.

“Thank you to everybody that has donated, but remember from January we will still need to be donating.”

The success comes as the Trussell Trust, which runs hundreds of food banks across the UK, said it expects this December to be its busiest month ever.