The Market Quarter News

When the Pontypridd Foodbank put out an urgent call on social media, letting the community know their shelves were "bare" and they were desperate for donations, the hearts of the Market Quarter Pontypridd traders immediately went out, they knew they had to help their neighbours.

A quick post went up on the Market Quarter Facebook page, appealing to our local community to help us restock the Foodbank’s pantry. What happened next was truly humbling.

The response from the people of Pontypridd was unprecedented.  We quickly learned that the Market Quarter offered a much-needed, central collection point. So many local residents who came in with bags of groceries mentioned that they don't drive and can't easily use the usual drop-off points at supermarkets. Being centrally located in the heart of town meant many could walk in and deliver their donations directly.

The kindness of locals was absolutely overwhelming. Within days, the generosity of our community had translated into physical support:

 * Our first haul of donated items weighed in at a massive 110 kg of food.

 * Our second collection contributed another 23.20 kg to the Foodbank.

* Our third collection total is awaited

Every single tin, box of cereal, and packet of pasta was a testament to the caring spirit of Pontypridd.

To keep the momentum going and raise awareness among the younger generation, our creative traders put together a brilliant idea: a "lucky dip drive" featuring our new mascot, Tim the Tin!

Tim the Tin was lovingly created by the wonderful Hayley Tucker at Tucker's Bakery. We invited local children to bring in a tin of food or make a small cash donation for a chance to play the lucky dip. It was a simple, fun way to teach children about the Foodbank's vital services and the importance of helping others.  The lucky dip was a roaring success! Along with the physical tins collected, the children and their families helped us raise a fantastic total of £216.86 in cash for the Foodbank's operational needs.

We couldn't be prouder of the compassion and generosity shown by our customers and fellow traders. We love our community and are thrilled to have been able to make a small, but meaningful, difference during a difficult time.

The Market Quarter Pontypridd is happy to continue to act as a permanent, central drop-off point for the Foodbank.

Please feel free to hand in your non-perishable donations at any stall—our traders will ensure they are safely passed to the collection point. You can also find collection tins around the market for any cash donations you wish to make.

Thank you, Pontypridd, for showing us once again what community truly means!

Visit Pontypridd Foodbank's website if you would like to see the great work they do or make a donation Pontypridd Foodbank | Helping Local People in Crisis