Grants to alleviate food poverty to be distributed

A “relatively modest” grant is to be distributed by the end of the month to help alleviate food poverty.

Cabinet approved awards to third sector organisations as soon as possible following awards from theWelsh Governmentto support households.

A food poverty grant has been received byPembrokeshire County Councilof £38,806 revenue and £33,741 capital, said cabinet member for social services Clr. Tessa Hodgson.

Clr. Hodgson highlighted its importance as the cost of living crisis deepened adding it was a “timely grant, relatively modest in nature but timely.”

A household support grant of £19,223 revenue was made available in January and can be used to support community food initiatives and organisations.

The food poverty grant had been allocated early in the financial year but following consultation with the third sector its use was delayed until the final quarter “when the greatest pressure on families was expected.

A report to cabinet on Monday (March 14) notes that “there is considerable overlap between the two grants” and that a “decision is now required quickly to ensure spend is complete before the financial year end.”

Applications were invited and the funding is to be distributed between Pembrokeshire Care Society (partnered with The Third Place), Pembrokeshire Care, Share and Give, Pembrokeshire Foodbank, Peninsula Food Pod, Tenby Connects, Garth Youth Project and VC Gallery.