Speakers - Becky and Phil Morgan from the Vale Food Bank

For some years the Club has supported the local Food Bank.  Last week Phil and Becky Morgan joined Rotary at their meeting at the West House Hotel to give members an update on the local operation.  The speakers represented the Trussell Trust which is responsible for the administration of 1200 food banks including the one in Llantwit Major. They explained that the trust oversees the working of local food banks to ensure that all health and safety requirements are met.

They said that recipients of the food bank are, in the first instance, referred to them by organisations such as Citizens Advice, social workers, etc. after which food bank vouchers can be issued.  Normally three vouchers would be issued in a six month period with the content of the food parcels taking account of number in the family, children’ etc.  A third are on low incomes, twenty percent already on benefits and twelve per cent affected by changes in benefit payments.

The visitors explained that all Vale food banks are supplied from a central warehouse in Barry.  In addition to food, parcels can contain other essential items such as aids to hygiene and also useful recipes to encourage preparation of simple but nutritious meals. To keep down costs all local food banks are staffed by volunteers.

The need for such banks is illustrated by an increase in the last year of those applying for help by thirty-three percent.

Club President Anthony thanked the visitors for their interesting and informative presentation.  He in turn was thanked by them for Rotary’s continued support.