News

Parents forced to buy unhealthy food due to soaring costs

Published

2 weeks ago

March 13, 2025

FAMILIES STRUGGLING AS THE COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS DEEPENS

THE RISING cost of living is forcing Welsh parents to buy unhealthy food for their children, as healthier options become unaffordable, a new survey by Barnardo’s Cymru has revealed.

According to the survey, around one in five parents (22%) admit they have no choice but to purchase unhealthy food every week due to financial constraints. The findings come as Barnardo’s Cymru reports visiting homes where there is no food, with some mothers skipping meals entirely to ensure their children can eat.

Maria Jones, a children’s services manager with Barnardo’s Cymru, said: “We are seeing families who are beyond crisis point. It is no longer a choice of heating or eating for some. They simply have no heat and their cupboards are bare.”

Children surviving on unhealthy diets

Families are increasingly reliant on supermarket discount shelves, purchasing whatever is cheapest, regardless of nutritional value. Jones added: “Too many children are now just living on chips. It’s a huge problem, and who knows what the long-term impact will be.”

To combat food insecurity, Barnardo’s Cymru has distributed thousands of pounds worth of food vouchers in recent months. However, even food banks struggle to provide fresh produce, leaving families with limited nutritious options.

Jones, who works in Newport, highlighted the city council’s role in supporting the distribution of supermarket vouchers. “We have had families breaking down in tears on the doorstep because they are so grateful to have help with fresh food,” she said.

Survey exposes growing crisis

The YouGov survey questioned 231 parents across Wales with at least one child under 18. Key findings include:

22% of parents bought unhealthy food weekly due to affordability issues.
41% said they had to opt for cheaper, unhealthy food at least once a month.
72% of parents who resorted to unhealthy food choices expressed concern over their children’s diets.
18% believed their children’s diets had worsened due to the cost of living.

Barnardo’s has also published a report, Nourishing the Future, which highlights the growing number of children missing out on nutritious food. The report warns that the average height of five-year-olds in the UK is declining, and Victorian-era diseases linked to malnutrition, such as rickets, are making a return.

Structural inequalities deepening food insecurity

The report, drawing on insights from children, parents, and experts, reveals:

Families and young people want healthier diets but struggle to afford them.
Healthy food is out of reach for those on low incomes or Universal Credit.
Structural inequalities in the food system make it harder for certain groups to access nutritious food.

Barnardo’s also highlights the additional difficulties faced by families in temporary accommodation. Many are living in single hotel rooms without cooking facilities and rely on takeaways for months. Even after securing housing, families often move into unfurnished spaces without basic necessities such as beds, cookers, or fridges.

Jones explained: “They have a roof over their heads but very little else. We often have to step in with essentials like blow-up beds while they wait for emergency grants.”

Calls for government intervention

Parents without access to budget supermarkets are also facing higher costs, as they are forced to shop at expensive corner stores.

Sarah Crawley, Director of Barnardo’s Cymru, said: “We are seeing the impact of poverty on children’s nutrition in homes across Wales. Far too many children and young people are missing out on nutritious food, with huge knock-on effects for their health.

“We know that parents are making big sacrifices so their children have the best food they can afford. But healthy food is out of reach for so many families.”

The charity’s report recommends government action, including:

Increasing the value of healthy shopping vouchers for low-income families.
Strengthening regulations on the quality of school meals.
Using revenue from future sugar or salt taxes to tackle food insecurity.

Barnardo’s Cymru is calling for urgent measures to ensure that no child in Wales has to go hungry or suffer long-term health consequences due to financial hardship.

Community

Final closures begin as long-awaited A40 bypass nears completion

Published

34 minutes ago

March 28, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ROAD DUE TO OPEN WEEK COMMENCING APRIL 28

THE MAJOR A40 improvement scheme in Pembrokeshire is entering its final stages, with the Welsh Government confirming the new road will open in the week beginning April 28.

Construction of the long-anticipated bypass around Llanddewi Velfrey began in summer 2021. Once completed, the new dual carriageway will remove all temporary traffic management, including bollards and reduced speed limits. The entire stretch will carry a 60mph speed limit.

Wales transport secretary Ken Skates, responding to a written question from Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MS Samuel Kurtz, confirmed the road is on schedule.

He said: “Section 1 of the A40 Llanddewi Velfrey to Redstone Cross Improvements Scheme is programmed for completion week commencing 28th April 2025. Section 2, the detrunking works through Llanddewi Velfrey village, will commence thereafter.”

The scheme is being delivered on behalf of the Welsh Government by Alun Griffiths Contractors Ltd. Although the final cost has yet to be announced, the project was originally estimated at £60 million, including £45 million from EU funding.

In preparation for the opening, the final three weekend road closures are now underway. The first closure began last weekend (March 21-24), with the remaining two scheduled for this weekend (March 28-31) and the following weekend (April 4-7).

The closures affect the section between Penblewin roundabout and Robeston Wathen roundabout, allowing the new A40 to be connected to the existing route at a location known as Jacobs Park.

All closures begin at 7:00pm on Friday and end by 6:00am on Monday morning.

Scheme spokesperson Matthew Davies said: “Due to the significant level differences between the new A40 and the existing road, the principal contractor requires three weekend closures.

“To ensure minimal disruption to local communities, commuters, and the economy, the work has been timed to finish before the Easter holiday.”

Emergency services have been fully briefed and will use carefully planned diversion routes to minimise the impact on North Pembrokeshire. Access to homes and businesses along the affected stretch of road will be maintained throughout the closures.

Mr Davies added: “Preparation work is already underway to reduce the closure duration, and all parties, including the local health board, are prepared for the temporary measures.”

Crime

Majority of stolen sheep recovered after public appeal

Published

44 minutes ago

March 28, 2025

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE says it has recovered 63 of the 75 sheep reported stolen from a farm in Rhydlewis, near Newcastle Emlyn, following a public appeal for information earlier this week.

The ewes were located at three separate sites within the Dyfed-Powys Police area over the past four days.

Inspector Matthew Howells said: “I would like to thank everyone who shared our appeal, and the appeal from the owner, which was shared over 700 times and reached communities all over Wales and further afield. The support from farming communities near and afar has been vitally important in securing a positive outcome. I’d also like to thank those who came forward with information which enabled my officers to respond quickly, ensuring the safe return of these animals to their rightful owner.”

A 40-year-old man who was previously arrested on suspicion of theft has been released on bail while police enquiries continue.

Health

Cardigan mayor joins calls to save weekend urgent care

Published

54 minutes ago

March 28, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PLANS to end weekend urgent care provision at Cardigan’s Integrated Care Centre have sparked a backlash, with local leaders and residents warning of serious consequences for patients across the region.

Mayor of Cardigan, Cllr Olwen Davies, has joined those calling for the weekend service to be saved, describing its withdrawal as “deeply disappointing.”

“It’s a huge blow,” she said. “This service has proved vital not just for the town but for the wider area. With the Easter holidays upon us, it’s unthinkable that we’re losing such a key facility.”

The Welsh Government-funded weekend service was launched in January as part of a 50-day pilot aimed at relieving pressure on Bronglais and Glangwili Hospitals, both of which are struggling with some of the worst emergency department waiting times in the country.

But the funding ends this Sunday (March 30), and no extension has been confirmed—despite a surge of public support for keeping the centre open on Saturdays and Sundays. An online petition had attracted almost 1,500 signatures by Wednesday lunchtime.

Hywel Dda University Health Board confirmed the end of the pilot in a statement this week.

“From April, the urgent care centre will continue operating Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 6:00pm,” a spokesperson said. “Patients can walk in or call 01239 803075 to speak to a triage nurse before attending.”

The board said the weekend service had been well used, with 845 patients seen across the first seven weekends. Roughly three-quarters of those patients would otherwise have attended A&E.

In addition, the pilot supported a ‘Digital Ward’ approach, allowing 63 patients to be treated remotely over the past two months—something the board described as an example of “innovative care close to home.”

A formal evaluation of the weekend provision will take place following the conclusion of the full trial period.

Ceredigion MS Elin Jones also called for an urgent rethink.

“I strongly support the continuation of weekend services in Cardigan,” she said. “They’ve clearly helped reduce unnecessary A&E visits, and we need to build on that—not go backwards.”