£1.9 million to address food poverty in Wales

More than £1.9 million is being awarded to organisations across Wales to help tackle food poverty and address food insecurity within local communities.

The funding will also focus on addressing food issues in a more sustainable way, working with local and regional partners to meet the specific needs of their communities.

The Welsh Government has said that various different types of projects have received funding, including those which will; help improve facilities for community cafes and food banks, establish food pantries, support the development of hubs and advice centres and strengthen community growing projects.

Jane Hutt, Minister for Social Justice, said: “The pandemic has had a profound financial impact on so many. Whilst we are working to help families to maximise their incomes and build financial resilience, tackling food poverty and food insecurity continues to exist.

“Although key levers for tackling poverty, such as powers over the tax and welfare systems including Universal Credit, sit with the UK government, there is much we can do here in Wales to mitigate the impact of poverty and improve outcomes wherever we possibly can. This £1.9 million fund will help to support communities and their residents at a local, tailored level.”

The Welsh Government has made free school meals available throughout the holidays this financial year and also supports a range of other community food initiatives, such as the Big Bocs Bwyd project operating in schools and helping to measurably reduce food waste at a commercial, community and household level.