Throughout the Covid pandemic a Food Kitchen and delivery service has been operating from the Catholic Church Hall in Usk.

It was started by local Catholic parishioners Gloria and Peter Dolan and meals have increased from 10 to more than 60 meals over two days a week.

A hot main course, including a vegetarian option, and a dessert are provided.

People may think that Usk is an affluent small town with low levels of deprivation but the Dolans soon recognised that there were needy families struggling on low incomes, particularly in the Covid emergency.

They also realised that isolated elderly, sick and disabled people find cooking at home difficult.

More than 25 local volunteers, from different Christian denominations and none are now involved.

As well as the benefit of meals the human contact with the volunteers who distribute them is a vital element.

The Food Kitchen has identified the need for a continuing service beyond the Covid emergency but for this they need more volunteers.

It is huge learning curve and volunteers each contribute towards better ways of working.

“It really has been a team effort which has involved the whole community,” says Gloria. If you would like to volunteer to keep this valuable service going contact Gloria Dolan on 07429 023 559 for more information.