Emergency Food Aid Fund

The funding has been provided by the Welsh Government to support organisations tackling food poverty across Gwynedd.

The aims of the fund are to:

  • Help individuals and families experiencing poverty or food insecurity
  • Strengthen the sustainability of community food provision
  • Address the root causes of food poverty
  • Build long‑term resilience rather than dependence on emergency support

Applications will be assessed by an Assessment Panel, and the panel’s decision will be final.

 

Who's eligible?

The fund will be open to:

  • Charities
  • Community groups
  • Similar non‑profit partners

It will not be open to:

  • Commercial businesses
  • Profit‑making projects

 

How much money is available and what can it fund?

Maximum grant available: £5,000

What can it fund?

  • Fridges and freezers
  • Cooking equipment
  • Storage solutions
  • Distribution equipment (shelves, trolleys, containers)
  • Local food‑growing initiatives

Maximum grant available: £4,000

What can it fund?

  • Lunch or supper clubs
  • Non‑profit community cafés
  • Social supermarkets
  • Community cooking classes
  • Distribution of emergency food parcels

The grant cannot be used for:

  • Annual running costs of an organisation
  • Membership fees (e.g., FareShare)
  • Normal business objectives

The fund must not be used to:

  • Increase trade or turnover for businesses
  • Use commercial cafés or restaurants as a delivery model
  • Offer discounts in commercial settings
  • Create direct or indirect commercial advantage
  • Pay for the cost of meals in commercial venues

If a kitchen or facility owned by a business is used, applicants must clearly show:

  • That no profit is made from the arrangement
  • That the cost reflects only the true cost

Projects are expected to ensure:

  • Access to a free meal or food parcel, or
  • Access at a very low cost (maximum £5 per person)

Definition of a Reasonable Price: A price that reflects only the true cost of ingredients and preparation, with no profit or commercial markup.

Cost guidance:

  • £0 - £3 per person: basic support
  • £3 - £5 per person: simple nutritious meal
  • Over £5 per person: exceptional justification required

 

 

How to apply?

Applicants must send the following to: Cistgwynedd@gwynedd.llyw.cymru

 

Contact us

Community Support Officers are available to provide advice and help ensure your project aligns with the fund’s requirements.

Contact them at: Cefnogicymunedau@gwynedd.llyw.cymru

 

 

More information

To find out more, contact a Cist Gwynedd Officer: