£500k for free food and winter activities

MORE than £550,000 has been set aside this winter to make free food available to those who need it in Swansea.

- JAMES ARNOTT

Community centre user Pat Griffiths.

The cash will also help the running of free and low cost activities for young and older people and to provide warm and welcoming places where people can socialise.

As part of Swansea Council's #HereForYouThisWinter campaign, 56 organisations have successfully applied for the Holiday Food Fund.

This academic year, some will offer free food to school-aged children who need it during October half-term as well as the Christmas and February breaks.

Ninety-four clubs and groups putting on free or low cost activities for children and young people have been offered funding along with a further 55 working with older adults.

The council is also supporting 62 Swansea Spaces to offer warm and welcoming places for people to meet, socialise and take part in activities if they wish.

Grants have also been offered to 48 organisations who provide emergency food support such as food banks, cooking schemes and community cafes.