The Cardiffian has mapped out all the amazing people providing free and heavily discounted food and heat for poeple in Wales’ Capital city this Winter
AS the winter cold begins to bite, volunteers from around Cardiff have come together to provide support for people who are struggling.
Here, The Cardiffian has put into one place everything you need to know about accessing support this winter. Included are places to stay warm, find free meals and get discounted groceries.
Food Banks
The eight Cardiff foodbanks within the Trussell Trust network supply food and other goods to families in urgent need.
Customers are referred by more than 200 partners including Cardiff Council, mental health support, GPs, some schools and housing associations. These organisations provide vouchers to redeem at any Cardiff Foodbank distribution centre.
Foodbanks also offer support services including debt advice, mental health support, and benefits guidance.
Warm hubs
Warm hubs are spaces where you can go and sit in peace somewhere warm. Most of these are in churches but there is no pressure to engage with any religious aspect of the community.
Instead, you can take advantage of free hot drinks and biscuits, chat to locals, and find advice on how to stay warm this winter.
Food markets
Food markets are entirely free help points. Those who are struggling with bills but do not qualify for foodbank vouchers can go down and pick up a selection of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and bread, as well as tinned staples.
This is a no questions asked service and people are free to take as much or as little as they need.
Some food markets also offer advice services relating to debt and benefits, as well as offering hot drinks and a sandwich.
Food pantries
Food pantries are built on a co-operative model and are open to all. You can become a member without any referrals and no questions asked.
Members pay a small subscription per week and have access to fresh and long lasting food including chilled and frozen, all donated by local businesses.
The service is staffed by members who guide you round and can offer advice and a friendly face.
Donation points
Donation points are scattered throughout the city and offer a place for you to drop off fresh and tinned or dried food so they can then be redistributed to services and those in need.
All you need to look for is a sign in the window of your local corner shop or a basket at the front of your supermarket.
All items are then shared throughout Cardiff and will help to relieve families this winter.
