We are thrilled to share some incredible news announced here at Cegin Hedyn Community Kitchen: the Welsh Government has committed £1.7 million in additional funding to support families and individuals across Wales struggling with food poverty.
This vital funding, announced by Jane Hutt, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, at Cegin Hedyn, aims to provide immediate relief while addressing the root causes of food poverty, ensuring sustainable solutions for the future.
How This Funding Will Help
The £1.7 million funding package will:
• Provide emergency food aid, helping local groups store and distribute food to those who need it most, while also addressing the underlying causes of food poverty.
• Support FareShare Cymru by enabling them to purchase equipment for storing and delivering fresh food during the winter months and run food education activities to help low-income families and individuals manage rising costs.
• Strengthen food partnerships in every local authority area in Wales to ensure resources are directed where they are needed most.
Cegin Hedyn’s Role in Tackling Food Poverty
Cegin Hedyn is proud to be part of the network of organisations benefitting from this funding. As a Pay What You Can Canteen and Community Kitchen, we work tirelessly to ensure everyone has access to fresh, seasonal, and organic produce. Much of our food is grown just steps away in our Community Allotment, and we collaborate closely with Carmarthenshire Food Partnership and Bwyd Sir Gâr Food to support local initiatives tackling food insecurity.
Bwyd Sir Gâr Food has been instrumental in supporting us, providing vegetables grown at Bremenda Isaf farm in Llanarthne, and mentoring volunteers at our allotment to strengthen our local food system.
A Message from Deri Reed
Speaking about the announcement, our founder, Deri Reed, said:
“This funding is a lifeline for communities like ours, ensuring that we can continue to provide fresh, nutritious meals to those who need them most while building a more sustainable and inclusive food system. At Cegin Hedyn, we believe in the power of food to bring people together and create positive change.
This support will help us expand our reach, grow more organic produce locally, and strengthen the food partnerships that make a real difference in tackling food poverty in Carmarthenshire and beyond.”
Recognising the Importance of Food Partnerships
The announcement highlights the Welsh Government’s commitment to building resilient local food systems. Katie Palmer from Food Sense Wales emphasised:
“By strengthening its support for food partnerships across Wales, the Welsh Government is recognising the importance of building resilience in local food systems, both in terms of diversifying local supply chains and organising community assets to meet local needs.”
A Commitment to Change
Jane Hutt also reaffirmed the government’s dedication to tackling food poverty, stating:
“No one should have to worry about how they’re going to put food on the table. This new £1.7 million package of funding will provide both local relief to those struggling with food costs and lay the groundwork for longer-term solutions to prevent food poverty.”
Building a Better Future Together
This announcement brings hope and resources to communities across Wales. With this funding, we can continue our mission of providing healthy, sustainable food and creating opportunities for connection and growth within our community.
Thank you to the Welsh Government, our partners, and supporters for helping us build a better, more sustainable food system. Together, we can make a real difference.