Charities and volunteers helping to put food on the tables of families facing hardship are being urged to apply for funding so they can 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.
The Round Two deadline for applying for grants closes on January 11.
Among those to benefit last year were Matthew’s House on High Street which has used the money to upgrade kitchen equipment including a new oven and fridges.
Project manager Thom Lynch said: “We were successful in getting funds from the food poverty grant from Swansea Council. It has made us more efficient in the way we process, store and cook food and helps us keep our five star food hygiene rating, so we were massively thankful to the council for helping us get another level and support people even more.”
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, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Supporting Communities, visited Matthew’s House in the lead-up to Christmas.
She said: “I’m really pleased that this year we are again able to make grants available to charities, organisations and third sector groups working to combat food poverty.
“The larger grants are now currently available so please apply to access these funds to help you support people.
“I absolutely love visiting Matthew’s House and seeing the work they do. They have been at the forefront of community action throughout the pandemic, operating as a food distribution centre and providing hot meals to the homeless and most vulnerable.
“There are many other organisations out there doing the same so please apply for these grants.”
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.
Please contact [email protected] to request an application form or if you wish to discuss your application prior to submission. Visit www.swansea.gov.uk/foodpovertygrant2021 for further information or to apply online.
