Charities and volunteers aiming to transform lives by helping to put food on the tables of families facing hardship have the chance to do even more for their communities.
Swansea Council has set up a £100,000 fund aiming to make a difference by directing cash to projects tackling food poverty or addressing food insecurity. Applications supporting community growing projects are also welcomed.
In a year dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic, groups awarded grants in the last round of funding stepped-up to make a difference supporting families and vulnerable people through the lockdown and firebreak.
Alyson Pugh, Cabinet Member for Supporting Communities, said: “I witnessed for myself the difference the grants made to communities right across the city during the pandemic.
“For example, Matt’s Café in the city centre was at the forefront of community action throughout the lockdown, operating as a food distribution centre and providing hot meals to the homeless and most vulnerable.
“The commercial fridges purchased with a grant from the fund made a big difference in keeping things going and, ultimately, ensuring food got to the tables where it was most needed.”
Cllr Pugh said: “There can surely be few things worse than a child or vulnerable person facing a mealtime with nothing there to eat. Food poverty grants are there to help local charities and volunteers fill that gap.
“This year I hope we will see more applications from organisations and charities so we can help them to carry on doing their bit.”
Only charitable or voluntary organisations which are not for profit can apply for grants but funding can be used for a very wide range of ideas, including purchasing food or equipment, community growing projects and food education projects.
Cash grants can also be used to pay for foodbank staff, training, collection and delivery work. There is no minimum or maximum amount that can be applied for.
Last year grants were awarded to 26 projects and ranged from around £500 to £15,000. Among those to benefit was the Swansea Community Fridge, run by the charity Goleudy, which redistributes surplus food from supermarkets, restaurants and community providers.
Sketty HOP Foodbank and Pontarddulais Partnership as well as St. Mary’s Church and Unity in Diversity, which runs weekly drop in sessions for asylum seekers and refugees, also got funding.
Applications for round one of funding for small grants up to £2,500 close at 10am on December 14. The round two deadline for grants above £2,500 closes on January 11, 2021, and if there is sufficient money left over a third round for small and main grants will go on until February 1, 2020.
Please contact [email protected] to request an application form or if you wish to discuss your application prior to submission
