A Pontardawe foodbank has been given a new lease of life thanks to a £10,000 refurbishment to make the facility safer, warmer, and more welcoming for those who need it most.

We secured funding from Community Foundation Wales through the Welsh Procurement Alliance fund, and appointed contractor PBM to carry out the work at PANTRY foodbank.

The improvements include repairing a leaking roof, restoring damaged ceilings, and installing a new water heater to improve kitchen facilities. Electric heaters have also been added to help keep the vast space warm during the colder months.

Outside, the side entrance has been made safer with new path slabs to remove slip hazards, while overgrown pathways leading to the foodbank have been cleared to improve access. 

Inside, plaster repairs and a fresh coat of paint have brightened the foodbank room, with condensation issues tackled with a new ventilation fan.

The upgrades come at a crucial time as demand for foodbank services continues to rise. PANTRY foodbank is open twice a week and supported over 2,000 adults and children last year, providing essential food parcels and a lifeline for those struggling with the cost of living.

Colin, chair of PANTRY, expressed his gratitude, saying:
“Going into the colder, darker months, these upgrades are really welcome. The space is so vast it gets very cold, the leaking roof had left us with damp ceilings and walls and the footpaths outside were dangerously slippery in the wet weather. This funding has made a big difference and allows us to offer a safer, warmer environment not just for those who rely on us, but our volunteers too.” 

This is the third time Tai Tarian has secured funding from the Welsh Procurement Alliance to support local community groups. Previous projects have included improvements at Graig Trebanos Community Hub & Garden and the creation of a community garden at Canolfan Maerdy in Gwaun Cae Gurwen, reinforcing our commitment to making a positive difference to our communities. Funding has already been sourced for our next community project, with improvement work already underway at Neath Mind.

PANTRY Foodbank is an independent provider of essential support to local families and individuals facing hardship and is run entirely by a hardworking team of volunteers. The foodbank relies heavily on food and monetary donations from the community to help feed those in need. Donations of tinned goods, pasta, tea, coffee, long life milk and toiletries are always needed. A full and up to date list of urgent requirements can be found on the PANTRY website www.pantryfoodbank.org.