Heavy metal band Metallica has donated £20,000 to Cardiff Foodbank, a contribution described by the charity as their largest celebrity donation to date. The funds are expected to provide around 9,000 meals for those in need.
The donation comes as the foodbank faces increased demand and a significant drop in food donations, a situation exacerbated by the rising cost of living. Rachel Biggs, CEO of Cardiff Foodbank, noted that while the number of people requiring assistance remains consistent with the previous year, food donations have decreased by 27%, leading to "empty shelves."
"The cost of living impacts all of us, it also impacts our running costs and we know our donors are generous, but we know the cost of living is pinching their pockets too," Biggs said. She estimated the charity's annual running costs to be £700,000.
Cardiff Foodbank serves approximately 20,000 people annually through its eight centers and a mobile service. Last year, one-third of those assisted were children. The charity highlighted that a donation from Taylor Swift in 2024, made during her Eras Tour performances in the city, enabled them to purchase one-and-a-half articulated lorries full of food.
Metallica's donation, made ahead of their sell-out performance at the Principality Stadium as part of their M72 World Tour, is anticipated to help replenish the food bank's stock and provide support for the remainder of the year. Biggs stated that the donation would allow them to place a bulk order and restock supplies.
"What's great for us [is] it helps raise the profile and what Metallica are doing is mobilising their fans, mobilising the local community," Biggs added. The foodbank is a crucial resource for the city, with its services including pre-packaged food bags delivered via a mobile unit.