Rhymney Valley foodbank is now hitting the road thanks to a donation from Caerphilly County Borough Council.

The Council provided a grant through its Community Empowerment Fund to enable the foodbank to purchase a new van and cover running costs for 12 months.

This donation has made a vast difference in helping the foodbank, which operates in Aberbargoed, Rhymney and New Tredegar, make deliveries and pick up much needed stock.

Cllr Carol Andrews, the Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Communities, said “Local foodbanks provide invaluable support to some of our most vulnerable residents during times of crisis.

“Sadly foodbanks have seen demand for their services increase significantly as a result of the current cost of living crisis and we’re proud to offer our support to help them continue assisting those in need in our communities.”

The chair of Rhymney Valley Foodbank, Reverend Canon Mark Owen, added “Thanks to Caerphilly County Borough Council, the van has made such a big difference.

“It helps to reach places with poor access to public transport and can fit around one tonne of food, which would have equated to four trips in a car previously.”

Local ward members Cllrs Carl Cuss, David Harse & Mansel Powell commented “We can see the pressures the Rhymney Valley Foodbank is facing especially with the cost of living crisis and now mortgage crisis which is pushing residents to use food banks.

“We have been working sometime with the foodbank and we submitted a joint bid supported by us as Councillors for Twyn Carno, Moriah & Pontlottyn to utilise our Community Empowerment Fund Allocation to fund a new van to deliver vital goods to our drop-in centres and residents. We wish to place on record our heartfelt thanks to everyone at Rhymney Valley Foodbank for everything they are doing for our residents.”