Financial struggles and the current cost of living crisis means anyone in our community can reach a time of need. Bridgend food bank offers resources and support to help our patients and members of the community if or when that happens.
How to receive help from your local food bank
In order for the food bank team to provide you with the most appropriate help for your circumstances or situation, the food bank works with local agencies. If supporting agencies feel you are struggling to purchase food, they will issue you with a foodbank voucher. The local agency can also provide long term support if you need help addressing some of the issues behind the reasons for your crisis.
The supporting local agencies include: BAVO, Citizens Advice, housing support officers, children’s centres, health visitors and social services.You can also contact the food bank directly to talk through your situation and the team will put you in touch with a relevant local agency or charity for support.
What to expect at your local food bank
When you arrive, you will be welcomed by trained volunteers and a warm drink (if you’d like one). The team will discuss any dietary needs you may have (for example, gluten free, halal or vegetarian) and exchange your foodbank voucher for a parcel of three days of emergency food.
The food bank will also help to support you in any other way they can. Should you need to, the trained volunteers at the food bank will be available to chat with you about your situation. You can expect a safe space at the food bank, most of the centres in Bridgend offer a cafe style environment and all volunteers and any supporting agencies present aim to provide non-judgemental support.
The Samaritans and Citizens Advice are often available to talk to at the centres in Bridgend. However, should you wish to speak with them anonymously or during any period when the food bank is closed, the team at the food bank have a free helpline and can also provide a sim card for you to use in a crisis.
What’s in a food parcel?
The food bank provides three days of non-perishable food. The Trussell Trust has worked with nutritionists to ensure food parcels contain sufficient nutrition and balanced meals for individuals and families. A typical food parcel contains:
- Breakfast cereals
- Soup
- Pasta
- Rice
- Pasta sauce
- Tinned beans
- Tinned meat
- Tinned vegetables
- Tinned fruit
- Tea or coffee
- Sugar
- Biscuits
- Snacks
Finding your local food bank
There are a number of local centres in Bridgend and the surrounding areas, with a range of opening times, click here to find the nearest to you.
Visiting a food bank may seem daunting or difficult at first, but it’s important to remember that the trained volunteers are there to help you get through a crisis, however big or small it may feel. Many are part of the community and they appreciate that everyone’s situation is different. Whether you are collecting a food parcel, or reaching out for your mental health, professional and friendly support is available to help you find a way out of your crisis.