Service
Tackling Food Poverty and Food Security
Food poverty is a growing concern across Wales. Community and Town Councils are well placed to support residents through practical, local solutions that respond to both immediate needs and long-term challenges.
Councils can play a powerful role in tackling food insecurity—whether by supporting local food projects, reducing stigma, or building partnerships that strengthen access to good food. Local action helps ensure that residents facing hardship are met with dignity, respect, and meaningful support. The scale of the issue is stark: over 3.1 million emergency food parcels were distributed in the UK last year by the Trussell Trust network, with more than 1.1 million going to children. In Wales, 29% of children live in poverty, and nearly 1 in 5 households experience food insecurity.
This page offers guidance, funding links, and examples of what’s working across Wales to help councils respond effectively to these growing needs.
Resources for Councils
Please contact the team at [email protected] if you would like us to send you copies of any of the resources featured in the recordings.
Signposting Support – Where to Direct Residents
Help residents facing food insecurity by referring them to these national and local resources:
- The Trussell Trust – Find a Food Bank
- Healthy Start Scheme – assistance for expectant mums or thise with young children
- Local food banks, community fridges, and pantries
- FareShare Cymru – Surplus Food for Charities
- Cost of Living Crisis Forum (Facebook Group)
What Councils Can Do
- Supporting or hosting community fridges, pantries, or food banks
- Partnering with local charities, schools, and supermarkets
- Promoting healthy cooking and low-cost meal projects
- Launching or backing growing projects (gardens, allotments)
- Reducing stigma by using inclusive language and welcoming spaces
- Involving local people in the planning and delivery of food projects
Examples from Wales:
- Llannon CC runs a Lunch and Chat Club with community transport
- Welshpool TC manages a surplus food stall and grows vegetables with the probation service
- Cwmaman TC offers post-Christmas food parcels
- Gorseinon TC received funding for a cooking programme
Funding Information & Potential Opportunities
- Waterloo Foundation – funds community projects addressing inequality and environmental sustainability.
- National Lottery Awards for All – Wales
- Lloyds Bank Foundation – grants to empower communities to tackle social issues, and drive lasting change.
- Dwr Cymru Community Fund – grants of up to £5,000 towards a community project of their choice.
- Community Foundation Wales – supports community groups and charities to strengthen local communities.
- Funding Wales Search Tool – a funding search platform created by Third Sector Support Wales
- Grants and Funding Potential Opportunities Newsletter
Council Powers to Support Food Access
- Power to provide markets – Food Act 1984
- Power to provide allotments – Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908
- Power to regulate food hygiene – Food Act 1984 s13
- Power to provide premises for social/community clubs – Local Government (Misc Provisions) Act 1976 s19
- Power to fund local food schemes – General Power of Competence (where applicable)
The legal powers and justifications available to councils can differ based on their specific circumstances. For tailored advice and guidance, councils are encouraged to contact their One Voice Wales Development Officer.
[email protected]
Get in Touch
If your council is working on a food project—or wants help getting started—please get in touch.
Email: [email protected]
Join the Forum: Cost of Living Crisis – Facebook Group