Council helps support Vale Foodbank Cookery Project

During the cost-of-living crisis, the Council has introduced a range of support to help people struggling to cope with rising prices.

Financial assistance is available, warm spaces were created as energy bills soared, while the Authority has also been involved with a variety of food schemes.

The Vale Foodbank used a financial contribution from the Council to set up a cookery project in partnership with the Probation Service.

Based at Coastlands Church in Colcot, it offers people on probation the opportunity to prepare and serve meals to those that need them.

Recently, this initiative reached a significant milestone as the 1000^th plate was dished up.

As Strategic Manager, Becky, and a committed group of volunteers, help run the Vale Foodbank Cookery project, which feeds up to 50 people a week.

“The project was an idea that came out of our relationship with the probation services. they help us with the grounds of the church which generated conversations around how else we could work together to help people on probation give back to the community more directly,” she said.

“Rob Robins, who is the probation area manager for the Vale, came up with the idea initially and through further conversations and risk assessments it eventually became a reality.

“The purpose for the project is for people on probation to learn new skills whilst serving the community. Many people who have come through the project have been helped at some point by the foodbank. For them to give back and help people directly through cooking meals has helped provide our foodbank visitors with a hot meal to take away in addition to their food parcel. That has been a huge help to many people especially during the cost-of-living crisis.

“My role in the project is to oversee it and make sure everything runs smoothly. I am able to attend the project on Thursday mornings and chat to the people on probation. I've seen them grow to create meal plans, work together as a team and seen the great results at the end with some lovely, delicious meals."

Rachel, who is on probation and has helped out at the project, revealed the effect it has had on her.

She has helped design menus, bought, prepared and cooked food and had a hand in health and safety and food hygiene aspects of the scheme.

“I have found the experience really enjoyable as I am giving something back to the community. It makes me feel good to know we are helping others out,” said Rachel. 

“I have learnt new cooking skills and my social skills have improved through working with others in a team.”

The impact the project has made on the people that use it is also clear.

Ruth visits to collect food for herself and her family. 

“The first time I knew about the project was when I came to the foodbank and was offered a hot meal as well as being given a food parcel. I was so grateful,” she said. 

“I think it's great for people to work together to help people, I think it's a fantastic idea. 

“To be given a hot meal to take away for my family made my day.” 

More information about cost-of-living support can be found on the Council’s website.