Takeaways are pretty much out for anyone on a budget in what is the worst cost-of-living crisis this century. But a local pizza shop in Pontardawe is hoping to change that.
Flames is offering foodbank users free hot meals for all of the family. The popular pizza shop is often frequented by pub-goers on the hunt for some good grub before home time, but now owner Orhan Babahan, 43, and delivery driver Natalie Davies, 34, are working together to feed those who need it most in their community.
This week marked the start of the family-run kebab shop's generous donations when the pair dropped off ten vouchers to Pantry Foodbank in Pontardawe. Staff at the shop will donate ten vouchers every week until the end of the year and hope to continue to regularly support foodbank users as much as they can.
Read more : 'I never felt I would need a foodbank'
The ten weekly vouchers equate to £100 worth of food donated by Flames and there are two types of vouchers on offer. One will feed larger families of around two adults and two children and the other is for smaller families. The meals will include either a 10inch or 12inch margarita pizza and large chips. You can read more stories about Swansea here.
It was Flames delivery driver Natalie who originally came up with the idea to support the foodbank. She said she wanted to help provide meals that did not cost any money to cook at home.
"With the foodbank, you have meals which are basic but you have to cook them. So you're using your gas and electric as well. But with a voucher, we're cooking it for people. They see it as a treat but they don't have to use their gas and electric at the same time. A lot of people who have foodbank vouchers can't use their gas and electric. We thought we'd come up with a solution."
When Natalie brought the idea to her boss, Orhan, he was more than happy to agree as he said it was important for him to give back to the people of Pontardawe. Natalie explained that Orhan was a very generous businessman and often trusted his customers to pay him back at a later date if they were short on money for a hot meal. Orhan's family are originally from Turkey and his uncle, Edi Akici, manages the shop.
"I want to give something back," said Orhan. "The people here have supported me, my business and my family and I want to do as much as I can to help."
Despite his generosity, Orhan said he had struggled as a business owner due to the rising cost of living and the hangover of the Covid pandemic. He explained that he was forced to start shutting his shop at 1am, two hours earlier than his previous closing time of 3:30am, due to the number of pub-goers wanting late night food dwindling.
Pontardawe, which hosts an annual live music festival, has long been known for its lively pub scene but Orhan said he had noticed at least a 30-40% drop in customers since 2020.
"The same as all businesses, we are struggling as well. The people support us so we're okay, I can't complain. But it's not the same as before. All the prices of the food have gone up, the rent is rising and electricity costs are very expensive."
Although they face an uncertain future, Flames staff are more concerned about doing their bit for residents of Pontardawe and have already served two people this week who came in with foodbank vouchers.
Natalie explained that the vouchers were discreet and looked similar to the kebab shop's delivery tickets. On the customers he had served with vouchers, Orhan said: "They were very happy. There were no questions asked, we just took the vouchers and made them their pizza."
A spokesperson from Pantry Foodbank said: "It was extremely generous of them. We've already given out some of the vouchers this week. We live in a wonderful, generous community where we have a lot of support." The spokesperson added that they were currently looking for donations for their upcoming charity auction at Pontardawe Arts Centre on Friday, November 25.
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