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How to access help from a foodbank

A lot of the focus during the Cost-of-Living crisis has been around the increase in the cost of gas and electric, but we know that prices of all household essentials have gone up this year. There has been a particular impact on the most basic household foods. As a result, more people than ever before are turning to foods banks for assistance, and so we want to highlight the help that is available.

Written by Will

12 Oct, 2022

A basket of food shopping

How to access a food bank

Foodbanks are usually run by charities or community organisations and can help people who are struggling to afford to feed themselves and their families. Reaching out to a foodbank for the first time is not an easy step to take and sometimes there is some paperwork involved, so we want to explain the process to you and show that there is help available.

As a Melin resident, if you are struggling with food, or more generally with your finances, your first step should be to get in touch with us. This will allow us to look into your situation and come up with a plan to help you.

This is also important for accessing foodbanks, as the majority of foodbanks will require you to have a referral. A referral from a recognised organisation (such as Melin) means that your situation has been independently assessed and you will qualify for help from a foodbank. Most foodbanks require you to have a referral, this is why it is important you get in contact with us first before seeking help.

Remember, if you contact Melin looking for help, your case will be treated with complete confidentiality. It will not affect your tenancy and we will not pass your details on to any other third party without your permission.

(Please note, all links on this page will take you to external websites. All information is correct at the time of publication. Please let us know if a link does not work: news@melinhomes.co.uk)

Trussell Trust Food Banks
Blaenau Gwent

Blaenau Gwent Foodbanks

Monmouthshire

Abergavenny Foodbank

Monmouth Foodbank

Chepstow Foodbank

Newport

Newport Foodbank

Risca Foodbank

Powys

Brecon Foodbank

Llandrindod Foodbank

Torfaen

Eastern Valley Foodbank

There are other food banks you can use, some of them without a referral. Below, we have placed links to additional foodbanks in our region.

Other foodbanks and community fridges
Blaenau Gwent

Eglwys Victory, Blaenau Gwent

Monmouthshire

Monmouthshire Community Fridges

Newport

Feed Newport

Maendy Food Pantry

Raven House Trust

Torfaen

Helping Hands R Us

Croesyceiliog Food Sharing Hub

As well as help from food banks and community fridges, we've collected some links below for cheap food and eating out offers.

Special offers

Kids eat free at Morrisons café

Asda soup and roll plus unlimited hot drinks for £1

Iceland over 60s 10% discount every Tuesday

‘Too Good to Go’ an app that lets you buy cheap left over food from shops, bakeries and restaurants

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