Welsh councils will be able to spend the money to support food banks and community organisations
The Welsh Government has announced councils across the country will receive millions in funding for emergency food aid and other support for people struggling with the cost of living.
Councils in Wales will receive nearly £5m from the government in a bid to tackle poverty, with extra money allocated to rural areas facing the “distinct” challenge of delivering support to more sparsely populated regions.
Announcing the cash boost, deputy first minister Sioned Williams said the money will “help local authorities respond quickly to people in crisis right now, while also building the long-term support that helps families avoid hardship in future”.
The £4.8m will be given to Wales’ 22 councils for emergency food aid and long-term poverty prevention. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.
The Welsh Government says councils can use the funding to support community organisations like lunch clubs, social supermarkets and advice groups. They can also give direct grants to food banks facing increased demand.
The funding will also help tackle the root causes of poverty, according to the Welsh Government.
Ms Williams, deputy first minister and minister for social justice and equality, said: “Nobody in Wales should have to go without food or struggle to make ends meet. This funding will help local authorities respond quickly to people in crisis right now, while also building the long-term support that helps families avoid hardship in future.
“We know the cost of living continues to put pressure on households across the country, and that’s why we’re targeting support where it’s needed most. We want every part of Wales to have the resources they need to support people through difficult times and build lasting resilience for the future.”
