14-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
New support hub to open in Newport to meet rising demand
With living costs continuing to rise and donations and volunteers becoming harder to come by, Newport Support Network is finding new ways to meet growing demand.
Located on 192 Commercial Road, Feed Newport and Cultural Food Hub is a buzzing community hub offering far more than just standard food parcels.
Handing out baby essentials, cultural foods and hot meals, this organisation has become a lifeline for many.
Founded in 2020 by Tariq Khan, the food hub started with the goal of supporting ethnic minority communities but has since evolved into a vital support network for anyone in Newport who needs it, from domestic abuse victims to refugees and families living in temporary accommodation.
They also offer a soup kitchen every Friday from 11.30am to 1.30pm, funded by the National Lottery.
Mr Khan's motive for starting Newport Support Network 'sounds cliché', he said, "but a support worker helped me in the past and, when I was able to, I wanted to give back.
"Fast forward 20 years, I became a qualified support worker and started Feed Newport."
The organisation now operates as a cultural food hub, soup kitchen, baby bank and 'everything in between', said Mr Khan.
Services run throughout the week, providing catering to a diverse range of dietary needs, including halal, vegan and gluten-free.
Newport Support Network is now expanding further.
A new site at 92 Commercial Street is set to open in the coming weeks, offering what Mr Khan describes as an "open table and pantry, which is a space for families, providing them with English lessons, cooking lessons and community workshops."
They also provide baby food, nappies and other essentials to new mums and families in need.
This initiative supplies essential items for infants and toddlers to ease some of the pressures of early parenthood, especially for families experiencing poverty, homelessness, or crisis.
"We're creating a space where people can access everything under one roof," he said.
Mr Khan is also working with Asda's community scheme and local farm shops to ensure food sustainability, while making new investments, including a £35,000 Comic Relief sponsor, which aims to create jobs and reduce the number of empty shops in Newport.
"It's just good people coming together," Mr Khan said.
"When you see so much negativity on social media, it's important to show that there are still people out here who care."
How You Can Help
Newport Support Network welcomes all kinds of support.
They're currently accepting non-perishable food items and monetary donations and are looking for volunteers.
You can also self-refer through their website if you need support.
Every contribution helps build a Newport where everyone feels welcome, supported and seen.
To get involved, visit the Feed Newport website, or stop by their centres at 192 Commercial Road, NP20 2PP, or the soon-to-open 92 Commercial Street.
