Community
£1.7m to support families and individuals facing food poverty
FAMILIES and individuals across Wales struggling with the cost of food will receive vital support this winter through £1.7m of additional funding from the Welsh Government. This funding will provide help to those most in need and back community projects working to prevent and tackle food poverty in the longer term.
The funding will:
provide emergency food aid by helping local groups to store and distribute food to people who need it most, while also addressing the underlying causes of food poverty;
support FareShare Cymru by purchasing equipment to store and deliver fresh food during the winter months and running food education activities to help low-income families and individuals manage rising costs; and
strengthen food partnerships in every local authority area in Wales, helping them to address local needs and ensure resources reach those facing the greatest challenges.
The Wales-wide funding will be announced today at Cegin Hedyn community kitchen in Carmarthen. Cegin Hedyn, a Pay What You Can Canteen and Community Kitchen, is part of a network of organisations tackling food poverty, and works with Carmarthenshire Food Partnership, Bwyd Sir Gâr Food.
Bwyd Sir Gâr works closely with groups and initiatives across the region to provide targeted support to those who need it most.
Cegin Hedyn ensures that everyone can have access to fresh, organic, seasonal produce, with produce being grown steps away in their Community Allotment. Bwyd Sir Gâr Food has also been providing vegetables, grown at Bremenda Isaf farm in Llanarthne, to Cegin Hedyn and has been offering mentoring and support to the volunteers at the allotment.
Cegin Hedyn is run by chef Deri Reed. He 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.”
Food Sense Wales works closely with Bwyd Sir Gâr and Food Partnerships across Wales to help create sustainable solutions to enable everyone to enjoy healthy and sustainable food.
Katie Palmer from Food Sense Wales said: “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 by building and organising assets and civil society in a way that is unique to the needs of the local community.”
The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, said: “No one should have to worry about how they’re going to put food on the table. As a government, we are committed to tackling food poverty and ensuring support reaches those who need it most.
“This new £1.7m 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. By supporting emergency aid, food education, and local partnerships, we are addressing this crisis from all angles.
“Local food partnerships are vital in this effort. They work with inspiring projects, like Cegin Hedyn, which not only provides meals for people, but also brings people together and supports the wider community. Their efforts show what can be achieved when local groups and wider networks come together to support those most in need.”
The additional funding builds on the £2.8m the Welsh Government has already allocated to help address food poverty this year, and brings the total to more than £24m invested in this area since 2019.
A BEAUTIFUL and affectionate four-year-old British Shorthair cat is looking for a calm and loving home through Greenacres Rescue in Pembrokeshire.
Maple, described by staff as having a “luxurious plush coat” and a “gentle, affectionate nature,” came into the charity’s care through no fault of her own. With her classic round face, soulful eyes, and teddy bear-like fur, she is proving popular with volunteers at the centre.
Greenacres said Maple would make an ideal companion for someone seeking a calm and elegant feline friend. She enjoys gentle fuss and quiet company and has previously lived harmoniously with other cats.
A spokesperson for the charity said: “Maple would thrive in a peaceful environment where she can settle in at her own pace and be treated with the patience and love she deserves. She may be happy to share her home with another gentle-natured feline.”
The rescue centre is based in Pembrokeshire, but rehomes animals across the UK. However, potential adopters are reminded that visits to the centre are essential, and priority may be given to homes closer to the charity’s location.
Anyone interested in adopting Maple is asked to complete an online application form, clearly stating her name:
Cat Adoption Form – Greenacres Rescue
Applications are processed Monday to Thursday and are subject to home and vet checks. For more information on the adoption process, visit:
Adoption Procedure – Greenacres Rescue
Greenacres thanked all potential adopters for supporting their mission to find loving homes for animals in need.
Could you be the one to give Maple the home she deserves?
Joy for royal-linked family as baby boy is born
A NEW member of a family with strong historic ties to West Wales has been welcomed into the world, as Lady Tatiana Mountbatten, the daughter of the Marquess of Milford Haven, announced the birth of her son.
The 34-year-old, who is a second cousin to King Charles III, shared the joyful news with her followers on Instagram on Sunday (Apr 13), posting tender photographs with her newborn, husband Alexander ‘Alick’ Dru, and daughter Elodie, who was born in September 2023.
Lady Tatiana is the daughter of George Mountbatten, 4th Marquess of Milford Haven.
The title “Marquess of Milford Haven” was created in 1917 for Prince Louis of Battenberg, who had previously served as First Sea Lord of the Royal Navy.
Amidst the anti-German sentiment during World War I, he relinquished his German titles and adopted the anglicised surname “Mountbatten.”
The Milford Haven waterway, with its rich maritime history and has been home to a significant naval base and commercial fishing port. The town’s deep natural harbour has been used for naval purposes since the late 18th century, and it played a crucial role during both World Wars.
The naming of the marquessate after Milford Haven reflects the town’s importance in British naval history.
In her post, Tatiana revealed her son’s name – Auberon, affectionately known as ‘Albie’. “March might just have been the best month of my life,” she wrote, reflecting on a peaceful period spent with her young family in the Hampshire countryside, away from the bustle of London.
She described her daughter’s excitement at becoming a big sister and shared a touching image of baby Auberon clutching her finger, alongside family scenes of daisy-picking and garden play.
Tatiana said: “We’ve played, rested, nourished, slept a little, loved a lot and enjoyed every minute of the glorious spring weather… Now it’s time to head back to London and discover what our new normal looks like.”
Local interest in the royal-connected family remains strong, particularly due to the Mountbattens’ association with Milford Haven and their lineage linked to Queen Victoria and Prince Louis of Battenberg.
Followers flooded her post with messages of congratulations. One wrote: “Oh my goodness, my heart is absolutely exploding for you!” Another joked: “When are you buying the first pony?!”
The happy news comes not long after another royal birth, with Princess Beatrice welcoming a baby girl, Athena Elizabeth Rose, in January. Despite being born prematurely, Athena is said to be healthy and thriving.
WITH the cost of living still putting pressure on many Pembrokeshire families, it’s good to see some local businesses stepping up this Easter to make eating out a little easier.
From cafes to pubs, a number of places across Mid and South Pembrokeshire are offering free or discounted meals for children during the school holidays. Here’s our Herald guide to where kids can eat free – or for just £1 – this Easter break:
MORRISONS CAFÉ – HAVERFORDWEST
Offer: One free kids’ meal with every adult meal purchased for £4.49 or more.
Availability: All day, every day, including during the Easter holidays.
Bonus: Free Kellogg’s breakfast (cereal, milk, fruit) when you ask for a “Kellogg’s Breakfast” at the counter.
TESCO CAFÉ – HAVERFORDWEST, PEMBROKE DOCK, MILFORD HAVEN
Offer: Kids eat free with any adult purchase during the Easter holidays.
Highlight: Pick ‘N’ Mix lunch deal includes a sandwich, fruit, two snacks, and a drink.
TRAVELODGE – PEMBROKE DOCK
Offer: Up to two children (15 or under) eat breakfast for free with every paying adult.
Availability: Every day, including Easter.
PREMIER INN – HAVERFORDWEST AND ST DAVIDS
Offer: Up to two children (15 or under) eat breakfast for free with every paying adult.
Availability: Every day, including Easter.
SA BRAINS PUBS
Offer: Kids eat for £1 with the purchase of an adult main meal.
Availability: All day every Wednesday.
Pembrokeshire Locations: Check your local Brains pub for participation.
NAUTICO’S RESTAURANT – MILFORD WATERFRONT
Offer: Kids eat for just £1 with every paying adult this Easter.
Availability: Throughout the Easter holidays.
Details: Enjoy a family meal by the coast – booking recommended. Call 01646 278060.
CAFÉ VINCENT – VINCENT DAVIES, HAVERFORDWEST
Offer: Kids eat free from the Little Pantry Children’s Menu with every adult main meal.
When: Monday to Friday, 12:00pm to 3:00pm, until Friday 25th April.
Note: Excludes breakfast items and sides.
WALDO LOUNGE – HAVERFORDWEST
Offer: Free healthy breakfast for children including cereal, fresh fruit and juice.
When: Easter holidays, daily from 9:00am to 10:30am.
Details: A relaxed morning offering for “little loungers” to start their day the healthy way.
Know of more local offers? Let us know and we’ll add them. Message us on Facebook.
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