Groups can apply for extra food poverty funding

So far this year almost £150,000 has been shared between organisations to fund crisis food provision including food for parcels, hampers and warm meals, volunteer costs, improved storage and the purchase of fridge freezers.

It has also been used to help fund community shops, community lunches, cookery classes, Christmas hampers and food growing projects.

Thanks to the Welsh Government an additional £54,940 is now available with a closing date for applications on Wednesday January 18.

To apply visit: www.swansea.gov.uk/directfoodsupportfund

Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Well-being, Alyson Pugh, said: "There are so many groups in Swansea who do such amazing work supporting people experiencing food poverty.

"Because of the cost of living crisis they are needed more than ever.

"I'm very grateful to the Welsh government for their continued support because it has meant that so far this year we have been able to approve 123 applications for grant funding.

"With this additional funding now available I would urge groups to again apply."

Groups in all areas of Swansea have secured funding including Swansea Asylum Seekers Support, Swansea Foodbank, Blaen-y-Maes Drop In, The Roots Foundation, Goleudy, Pennard Community Council, Age Concern Pontarddulais, Townhill Baptist Church, Action for Elders and Crisis.

A spokesperson for Swansea Foodbank said: "We are incredibly grateful for the support which has enabled us to buy in the stock we need where there are gaps in the types of food donated by the public or where there are peaks in the numbers of people needing the support of Swansea Foodbank.

"It is reassuring to know we have the backing of funders to help us meet the needs of the people of Swansea."

The additional funding is to strengthen existing community food initiatives across Swansea, including a focus on activity that helps to address the root causes of food poverty.

Capital funding is available for items such as Purchasing fridges, freezers and cooking equipment.

Revenue funding is available to groups such as social supermarkets, community cafes, lunch clubs and community cookery classes and could be used to purchase good quality food and essential goods, provide outreach support, overhead costs or volunteer training or expenses.

Due to anticipated demand it is suggested applications are limited to £1,300.

To discuss an application before applying email tacklingpoverty@swansea.gov.uk