FOOD banks across Caerphilly county borough are urging people to donate emergency meals to feed struggling families with the summer holidays fast approaching.

Parents whose children receive free school lunches in term time are among those struggling the most, as they now have to find an extra meal every day.

Food banks across the borough are being inundated with requests for emergency meals, with calls for schools, churches, businesses and residents in the area to share some community goodwill and make a donation to their local food bank.

During the past year the number of people using food banks in Wales has tripled. Caerphilly county borough’s volunteer-run food banks serving Blackwood, Risca and New Tredegar, along with the Bridging the Gap initiative in Caerphilly, are all welcoming donations, as is the Elim Baptist Church in Pontllanfraith

Ken James, Caerphilly council cabinet member for Regeneration, Sustainable Development and Planning, said: “Unfortunately we are seeing an increased need for food banks as residents struggle in this tough economic climate.

“Resources like food banks provide a lifeline for struggling families, and I hope residents are able to support them wherever possible.”

To aid those in need, Caerphilly council’s Town Centre Management team has worked with UK food bank co-ordinators The Trussell Trust to facilitate partnerships between local supermarkets and nearby food banks.

Tony Graham, Wales’ food bank network manager for The Trussell Trust, said: “The Trussell Trust is grateful for the support people living in Caerphilly county borough already give to our food banks. Without the support of individuals, we would not be able to feed the many thousands of people we do. We are also grateful for the encouragement and cooperation from the council.”

For details on local food banks, visit trusselltrust.co.uk or contact Andrew Highway on 01443 866213.