CALDICOT Food Bank reports that life for the poorest in our community has got worse since September and is struggling to keep up with the demand.

The local organisation that helps people in crisis by giving them emergency food supplies for three days says that the bedroom tax – the Spare Room Subsidy, as the Government prefers to call it – punitive sanctions and general cuts in welfare benefits, have begun to bite.

David Flint one of Caldicot Food Bank committee of volunteers said that earlier this month the organisation experienced several former ASDA workers, who’d been working on zero hours contracts at the warehouse in Chepstow, having to use the food bank when they found themselves without income.

Mr Flint said: “The food bank is currently struggling to keep up with demand. We’re desperate for donations of key items of food.”

The Food Bank runs on a Friday morning at the council offices in Caldicot on Sandy Lane between the hours of 10am and 12pm.

If you wish to donate, provisions can be left at Caldicot One Stop Shop, Caldicot Library or any local churches.