Tackling Food Poverty and Food Security - One Voice Wales
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Tackling Food Poverty and Food Security

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

Explore these links for tools, guidance, and case studies to support local food initiatives:

📍 Signposting Support – Where to Direct Residents

Help residents facing food insecurity by referring them to these national and local resources:

🤝 What Councils Can Do

Community and Town Councils can take practical steps to tackle food poverty, including:

  • 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 other Councils across 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

📚 Council Powers to Support Food Access

  • Power to provide markets – Food Act 1984
  • Power to provide allotments – Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908
  • 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)

Powers & justifications can differ, councils should consider their specific circumstances. For advice & guidance contact your 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 us: [email protected]
🌐 Visit: One Voice Wales WebsiteGet in Touch