St Francis Xavier and St David Lewis Catholic Church Charity Kitchen, a cornerstone of community support in Usk, is urgently appealing for more volunteers to help in its mission to provide meals to those in need. As the demand for nutritious meals continues to grow, the kitchen is seeking dedicated individuals to join its efforts in both meal preparation and delivery services.

 Initially set up during the COVID Pandemic 4 years ago, the Catholic Church Charity Kitchen has been a beacon of hope, serving hundreds of meals annually to elderly residents and families in Usk facing financial hardships. In total, over 14,000 meal and 600 food parcels have been provided, however, the recent economic challenges and increased food insecurity have led to a significant rise in the number of people relying on this vital service.

 "We believe in the power of community here in Usk and the difference that each person can make," added Cllr Kear "By giving just a few hours of your time, you can help us feed those who are struggling and bring comfort to those in need. Together, we can continue to uphold the spirit of compassion and service that defines our community.

 "Our volunteers are the heart and soul of our operation," said Dee Seabourne, the coordinator of the Charity Kitchen. "Without their selfless dedication, we wouldn't be able to provide the level of support our community needs. We are reaching out to the public to ask for more helping hands to ensure that we can continue to meet the growing demand. Please join us in our mission to support our neighbours in need”.

 The kitchen operates 2 days of the week and provides lunch for up to 50 people, and Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles, including:

 - Cooking and meal preparation: Assisting chefs in preparing large quantities of meals.

- Packing and organising: Ensuring meals are properly packed and organized for distribution.

- Delivery: Transporting meals to various locations and delivering them to individuals who are unable to visit the kitchen.

 As Councillor Kear can attest, no prior experience is necessary, and the kitchen provides all necessary training. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, though minors will need parental consent. The Charity Kitchen ensures a supportive and collaborative environment where volunteers can make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

 Those interested in volunteering can sign up by contacting Dee Seabourne for more details. The Catholic Church Charity Kitchen is located in Porthcyarne Street and volunteers are welcome to visit during operating hours to learn more about how they can contribute.

The Catholic Church Charity Kitchen is a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing nutritious meals to those in need. Through the efforts of volunteers and generous donations, the kitchen serves as a vital resource for individuals and families facing food insecurity. Committed to the values of compassion, dignity, and service, the Charity Kitchen strives to create a supportive community where everyone is cared for.

St David Lewis and St Francis Xavier Church is a Roman Catholicparish church in Usk, Monmouthshire, Wales. It was built in 1847 and designed by Charles Hansom in the Gothic Revival style. The church is dedicated to two Jesuit saints, Francis Xavier and the local David Lewis, who is buried nearby. It is located on Porthycarne Street near the town centre of Usk. In 2019, a shrine in the church was dedicated to David Lewis. The church is a Grade II listed building.[1]