COMMUNITY food organisations and food banks across Wales are to receive an additional £1 million in emergency funding from the Welsh Government to help support families struggling with the rising cost of living.
The funding increases the Welsh Government’s total investment in emergency food aid this year to £3.44 million.
Ministers say the money will help charities and community groups buy, store and distribute food, including surplus food that might otherwise go to waste. The aim is to boost their capacity to meet increasing demand while ensuring households facing financial hardship can still access nutritious food.
The announcement comes as economic uncertainty linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East raises concerns that global market pressures could push up the cost of everyday essentials.
The Welsh Government says the funding forms part of wider support measures aimed at helping households cope with financial pressures. Between 2022 and 2026, ministers say more than £7 billion has been invested through a range of programmes designed to reduce household costs, maximise income and provide financial support.
Through the Claim What’s Yours campaign, which directs people to Advicelink Cymru for free and confidential advice, more than £10.5 million in unclaimed financial support has been secured for people across Wales since 2020. The service helps residents access benefits, pensions, council tax reductions and support with care costs.
The Welsh Government also provides more than £30 million each year to the Warm Homes Nest scheme, which offers free energy efficiency improvements to low-income households. Since 2022, a further £7.4 million has been allocated to the Fuel Bank Foundation to run a national fuel voucher and emergency heat fund in Wales, supporting more than 230,000 people with energy top-ups and fuel deliveries, particularly those living off the gas grid.
In addition, eligible households receiving both the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and Disabled Band Reduction are receiving a £100 winter payment through their local authority.
The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, said the funding was intended to help people facing ongoing financial pressures.
She said: “The cost of living continues to put pressure on many households across Wales, and the war in the Middle East 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 our wider work to tackle poverty.”
People seeking financial advice or support can contact Advicelink Cymru on 0800 702 2020 for free and confidential guidance.
