a day ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Indian Summer Monmouth donates meals to local food bank
On Monday, May 19, Indian Summer Monmouth treated food bank clients to hot meals, a much-welcomed gesture for those struggling to make ends meet.
The initiative saw people from all walks of life, including two young Ukrainian refugees, enjoying the rare treat.
Martin Howlett, the food bank manager, welcomed the initiative, and was pictured with Mr Mohon Uddin, from Indian Summer, handing over the food.
Mohon Uddin of Indian Summer and Monmouth & District Foodbank manager Martin Howlett handed out the meal packages (Image: Supplied) Each individual received a meal package comprising chicken bhuna, steamed rice, and naan bread.
The Monmouth and District food bank, which is staffed by volunteers, provides vital support to those in crisis, helping more than 1,000 people last year.
This includes more than 300 children who received emergency food parcels.
Each meal package included chicken bhuna, steamed rice and naan bread (Image: Supplied) The food bank also partners with the Community Hub, Mind, Monmouth Housing Association, and Christians Against Poverty to provide guidance and financial advice.
However, they rely solely on community donations, and have seen a 30 per cent drop in food donations over the last two years.
A food bank spokesperson said: "Why do people need a food bank in Monmouth?
"Simply because they don't have enough money to live and eat.
"Parents often go without to put food on the table for their children.
"Fourteen million people live below the poverty line in the UK.
"People in Monmouth & District are going hungry today."
The food bank is part of a nationwide network supported by the Trussell Trust, which aims to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.
They support a wide range of people, from single parents and workers made redundant to families on benefits whose money has run out, and retired couples whose pensions no longer cover their outgoings.
Indian Summer Monmouth is not only known for its community spirit, but also for its cuisine.
The restaurant, which has been serving the local community for 26 years, was recently awarded the title of 'Best Takeaway in Monmouth' by Restaurant Guru.
A spokesperson for Indian Summer said at the time: "We wanted to share this fabulous news that Indian Summer Monmouth has recently been awarded 'Best Takeaway in Monmouth' by Restaurant Guru.
"We are so pleased to have gained this award so early on in 2025.
"Our reviews on Facebook, Google, TripAdvisor and Just Eat speak for themselves."
Following the award, Indian Summer has expanded its delivery service, offering a 20 per cent discount on all deliveries in the Monmouth area.
