Food Support

Please see below for links specifically to do with food support during the cost of living crisis. We also have a page of useful links that have wider information.

Referral to a Food Bank from Citizens Advice

Swansea Council Food Bank Support – information on where the food banks in Swansea are, how to access them & how to donate to them

FOOD AND FUN SCHEME

Just over 11,000 places will be offered through the Wales-wide Food and Fun scheme this summer, at 177 schemes. This will be the first summer all 22 local authorities operate the scheme.

HEALTHY START SCHEME

If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk. You’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops to buy items such as: milk; fresh, frozen, and tinned fruit and vegetables; instant formula milk; Healthy Start vitamins.

TOO GOOD TO GO

Restaurants, grocery stores, cafes and shops who are signed up to the ‘Too Good To Go’ initiative contribute their unsold food to make up Surprise Bags at the end of the day, avoiding food waste. By downloading the app, users are able to see the options available in their area, and purchase Surprise Bags at discounted prices.

MONEY SAVING EXPERT

Money Saving Expert have published a guide around accessing free or cheap food, for groceries and at restaurants.

SUPERMARKET OFFERS

Supermarkets such as Asda and Tesco have offers for adults and children in their cafes. For example, Asda enables adults to eat half-price after 3pm until September 4th, with their Kids meals for £1 offer being extended until the end of the year.
Aldi has linked up with Team GB and Paralympics GB to deliver ‘get set to eat fresh’ – click read more to see

KIDS EAT FREE

Heart FM have compiled a list of restaurant chains which are offering free meals to children this summer.

PLAYWORKS HOLIDAY SCHEME

The Playworks Scheme is funded by the Welsh Government to provide free food and snacks during the summer holidays. Swansea’s one is in Brynmill

NHS 111 PRESS 2 FOR MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

The NHS 111 press option 2 for mental health support is available 24/7 across Wales. It can be accessed by anyone, of any age, requiring urgent mental health support for themselves or on behalf of someone else. You can access the helpline for free by calling 111.

CALL: 111 PRESS OPTION 2

SHELTER CYMRU

Housing problems often begin because of financial difficulties. We know that the cost-of- living crisis is impacting on people’s ability to live well, and access and maintain housing. Whether you are concerned about renting, a mortgage, or other housing related concerns, Shelter Cymru has lots of information and may be able to help.

LIVE FEAR FREE

If you are currently experiencing, or have previously experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence, or you are concerned about someone else, the Live Fear Free helpline can provide 24/7 confidential support, advice and signposting. The helpline is available to all individuals of any age and gender identity. Using Language Line, helpline staff can communicate in the language most comfortable for the caller.

CALL: 0808 80 10 800

CREDIT UNIONS

If you are struggling financially and looking to borrow you should always make sure it is from an affordable, safe and ethical lender. Credit unions will only lend what you can afford to repay, helping to avoid further unmanageable debt. Credit Unions can be particularly helpful for those who find it difficult to borrow from banks because of a poor credit history.

CITIZENS ADVICE CYMRU

Citizens Advice Cymru have developed a space on their website for accessing help with the cost-of-living crisis. This includes advice around accessing benefits, support for accessing essential items, help with pets and help for people who are disabled.

CARERS WALES

If you care for a loved one, or someone close to you, there is information and support available to help. The Carers Wales website offers a range of options for carers including financial support, practical support, and employment advice. You can also join networks to connect with other carers across Wales.

CLAIM WHAT’S YOURS

You may be entitled to benefits that can support you in a variety of ways. if you are unsure about which benefits you can claim, Advicelink Cymru can help you to check and claim the support you are entitled to. The helpline is free and confidential.

CALL: 0808 250 5700

COUNCIL TAX REDUCTION

Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to pay less council tax. This may be the case if you live in a low-income household, live alone, are disabled or are a student.

BAME HELPLINE WALES

BAME Helpline Wales is a national multi-lingual helpline, for anyone over the age of 18 who identifies as Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic. Helpline advisors can: signpost to relevant organisations and services in your area, provide specialist employment advice, signpost and refer to specialist organisation. The helpline is available 10.30AM-2.30PM Monday-Friday

CALL: 0300 222 5720

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT’S WEBSITE

The Welsh Government has a comprehensive page dedicated to the support that’s available for people in Wales with the cost-of-living crisis.