The shelves of an Amman Valley foodbank were left bare after being open for just over an hour recently.

Pantry GCG Foodbank, situated at GCG Community Centre, opened just over two years ago and more families are using the system then ever before.

Karen Kirby said: “We have had an influx of people over the last few months.

“Some of the families have up to four or six children.

“Some residents come in for enough food to last them a week, some come in for food to last them until they receive their benefits. It all depends on the family.”

The foodbank had to close early on Friday, June 7 as there was limited items.

“We posted a before and after picture on Facebook of the Foodbank which showed the foodbank before opening at 10am and then an after picture taken at around 11.20am.

“We had to close because we were running low on items.”

The Facebook post was shared over 130 times and attracted the attention of local businesses, such as The Fishermans, who have agreed to be a drop-off point for any donations.

The foodbank is currently in the process of applying for grants to be able to receive fresh food donations.

Any donations of non-perishable items including tinned food, UHT milk, toiletries, nappies and tea and coffee are welcome.

Residents do not need any vouchers to receive items from this foodbank, but volunteers are currently trying to work together to put a fairer system in place.

As well as looking for donations, the foodbank is also in need of volunteers.

“Currently we are team of around five people,” added Karen.

“Some people don’t even know we are here, so we need volunteers to help us spread the word that we can help.

As well as the foodbank, there is a library and a primary mental health team at the centre which organise coffee mornings and offer wellbeing discussions.

Pantry GCG Foodbank at Gwaun Cae Gurwen Community Centre is open from 10am until 12noon every Friday.

For more information, visit Pantry GCG Foodbank on Facebook or bring your donations to GCG Library.

If you would like to get in touch with the foodbank, you can visit the GCG Foodbank Facebook page or bring your donations to GCG Library.