I’m Nancy Hughes, Conwy Food Bank Coordinator. I’ve been the Food Bank Coordinator for six and a half years now.
I manage Conwy Food Bank – answering calls, getting food parcels made up and ready to go out for delivery and taking food or cash donations.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job role?
Well, the most rewarding part is knowing you are helping families, children with food, who are really struggling.
We get agencies who contact us regularly, whom we develop a rapport with, who are always so grateful on behalf of the person receiving the food parcel.
What Do You Wish People Knew About People Struggling with Food Poverty?
Not to judge them – that they’re just normal people who are struggling with the cost of living. Which we all could be. We’re all the same.
What small thing keeps you going through the work day?
I always have a banana on my desk for my mid-morning refuel. We live on tea here. One of our volunteers has a really weak tea specifically. You can’t volunteer here without being offered one regularly!
I like a good chat on the phone, often being an agony aunt to those who call in to the food bank. A little chat with anyone, really, can brighten my day.
Advice for Day One with The Sanctuary Trust
If you’re thinking about reaching out to Conwy Food Bank, there’s nothing to worry about, asking for help. You don’t need to feel embarrassed for asking for food. Everyone’s struggling. Sometimes you just fall ill, or you struggle living on your own, or circumstances happen, like issues with benefits, family struggles, or domestic abuse.
We can get a working family who you wouldn’t think would stereotypically need help, but they might be in trouble for food, just as much as someone in the direst circumstances.
We can help you, no problem at all. I’ll always do my best to try and help, or if we can’t, find options so you can get the support you need.
