Charities, volunteer and community groups that work to tackle food poverty in Swansea can now apply for grants from the Council to support their work.
The Food Poverty Fund awarded financial backing totalling £155,000 last year to more than 40 organisations.
Past projects have included community gardens growing fresh produce to groups providing crisis support for people in urgent need of a meal, and schemes that teach families how to prepare healthy and nutritious meals on a budget.
Cllr Alyson Pugh, Swansea Council’s cabinet member for supporting communities, said: ‘This funding will support charitable, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations to assist many more people facing food poverty by strengthening community food initiatives and helping them address the root causes of food poverty.
‘We welcome applications for capital or revenue funding that address issues relating to food poverty including enhancing crisis food provision, developing cooking and nutrition skills and community food growing projects and spaces.
‘I have been amazed by the great work and wonderful ideas so many organisations have developed to tackle food poverty and I would urge groups that could benefit to apply for this assistance.’
A past recipient, Zac’s Place, run by the Exousia Trust, used the funding to invest in new equipment including freezers and an oven, which allowed them to provide over 1,000 meals during the lockdown in February and March.
Clydach Community Garden used its funding to build raised growing areas in a community garden at Craigfelen School, partnered with The Sharing Table who run cookery sessions to teach families and pupils how to turn the things they have grown into meals.
Headteacher of Craigfelen School, Alison Williams, said: ‘This means we are able to offer pupils a fun way to learn about food, acquire some cookery skills and sample inexpensive, healthy meals.’
Applications for the first round of funding will close in early August, and reopen later on if there are sufficient funds.
In related news, a major investment programme is set to equip thousands of local people with the skills they need to access well-paid jobs in Swansea.
Photo by Elaine Casap