March 13, 2026 - 312 views
Community food banks and support groups across North Wales are set to benefit from a share of an extra £1 million in emergency funding aimed at helping feed families facing growing financial pressures.
The Welsh Government says the funding will help food organisations buy, store and distribute food — including surplus supplies that might otherwise go to waste — as demand for help continues to rise.
The latest funding boost brings the total investment in emergency food aid in Wales this year to £3.44 million.
Food banks across the region have reported increasing numbers of people turning to them as the cost of living continues to squeeze household budgets. Community groups say families are struggling with rising grocery bills, energy costs and other essentials.
The additional money comes at a time of continued uncertainty in global markets, with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East raising concerns about possible increases in food and energy prices — something ministers warn could further impact households already under financial pressure.
The Welsh Government says the funding is part of wider measures aimed at supporting families through the cost-of-living crisis. Between 2022 and 2026 it says more than £7 billion will have been invested in schemes designed to ease financial pressure, help people maximise their income and keep more money in their pockets.
Among those measures is the Claim What’s Yours campaign, which connects people with free advice through Advicelink Cymru. The service has helped return more than £10.5 million in unclaimed benefits and financial support to people in Wales since 2020.
Energy costs remain another major concern for many households in North Wales. The Welsh Government says it is investing more than £30 million each year in the Warm Homes Nest scheme, which offers free energy-efficiency improvements to low-income households.
Since 2022, another £7.4 million has been provided to the Fuel Bank Foundation to help people struggling to afford heating and electricity, including those living in rural areas that rely on oil or other off-grid fuels.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Jane Hutt said the latest funding is aimed at helping communities respond to rising demand.
She said: “The cost of living continues to put pressure on many households across Wales, and the war in the Middle East potentially may drive up prices, adding to the anxiety many people already feel about putting food on the table, paying their bills and heating their homes.
“Supporting people through these pressures is a priority for us and we are doing all we can to help those who need support. This additional £1 million will help community organisations and food banks reach more people.”
People worried about finances can contact Advicelink Cymru on 0800 702 2020 for free and confidential advice on benefits, debt and household costs.
