(Image: Welsh Government)
Last Updated: 2 minutes ago
Community food organisations and food banks across Wales are being given an additional £1 million in funding to help them reach more people in need of support.
The extra investment brings the Welsh Government’s total spending on emergency food aid this year to £3.44 million. The money will help organisations buy, store and distribute food – including surplus food that would otherwise go to waste – boosting their ability to keep up with growing demand.
Wider support for households
The funding is part of a broader package of Welsh Government action to support households facing hardship. Between 2022 and 2026, more than £7 billion has been invested in programmes designed to alleviate financial pressures, help maximise income and keep more money in people’s pockets.
Through the Claim What’s Yours campaign, which directs people to Advicelink Cymru for free and confidential support, more than £10.5 million has been returned to people since 2020. The service helps people access benefits, pensions, help with care costs and council tax reductions they may be entitled to.
Tackling energy poverty
The Welsh Government allocates over £30 million each year to the Warm Homes Nest scheme, providing free energy efficiency improvements to low-income households. Since 2022, £7.4 million has also been allocated to the Fuel Bank Foundation to run a national fuel voucher and emergency heat fund in Wales, helping more than 230,000 people with energy top-ups and fuel deliveries to households off the gas grid.
Eligible households receiving both the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and Disabled Band Reduction are also receiving a £100 payment this winter, automatically through their local authority.
Why the funding matters now
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is causing uncertainty across global markets and has the potential to push up the cost of everyday essentials, making this a critical time for households already under financial pressure.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, said: “The cost of living continues to put pressure on many households across Wales, and the war in the Middle East potentially may drive up prices, adding to the anxiety many people already feel about putting food on the table, paying their bills and heating their homes.
“Supporting people through these pressures is a priority for us and we are doing all we can to help those who need support. This additional £1 million will help community organisations and food banks reach more people, as part of the wider work we are undertaking to tackle poverty.
“Whether you are struggling with daily expenses, managing debt or unsure what help is available, Advicelink Cymru is there to help you claim the support you are entitled to.”
People can contact Advicelink Cymru on 0800 702 2020 for free and confidential advice.
