The co-ordinator of a Cardiff food charity says it’s time for the government to step up and start dealing with food poverty and not leave it to charities to deal with the problem.
Community groups and charities are being left to fill the gap in food provision for the very poorest in society, according to a co-ordinator of a Cardiff food charity.
The Bute Town Community Centre runs a weekly food pantry to make food accessible to everyone and it’s project co-ordinator Kervin Julien believes that…
“They’ve literally handed over the problem of food poverty to food banks and washed their hands now. And now they can just forget all these what they call normal politics but it hasn’t dealt with the issue. And now it’s down to stores and charities like ourselves to fill this huge gap that was created especially in the height of the pandemic.”
Volunteers at the centre witnessed how the pandemic made life even harder for Cardiff’s poor and homeless. In response to this, they set up a food pantry specifically designed to meet the needs of the local community, something that is not found anywhere else in Wales.
Julien highlighted the area’s challenges, describing it as one of the poorest communities in Wales. He has worked on food poverty issues since 2008 and believes the problem has persisted for far too long. “I really feel for the people who live here, this place always at the bottom of the begging bowl,” said Julien.
At the centre, many of those seeking food services are elderly. They gather in the living room, chatting over tea while waiting for food. Volunteer Gema Borrego said, “You can see too many people coming here, and this is a good place for the people who are facing food poverty. They can take away a lot of food.”
The charity relies on donations, offering substantial amounts of food for just three to four pounds. This approach makes it easier for people who are struggling financially to get the food they need.
Some volunteers are retirees who dedicate their time to the community. Julien expressed his appreciation, said, “I love my volunteers, they are the face of our service. The commitment and passion they show really fills my heart with joy.”
The government is unwilling to take a leading role in addressing food poverty, leaving charities to be the main source of support for those in need. Julien said, “The burden on charities and food banks has become overwhelming.” He mentioned that although the government has put in place some short-term measures, they are far from enough to solve the problem of food poverty.
After the pandemic, food poverty has become an even bigger issue, and while charities have been working hard to address it, they are struggling to cope with the growing scale of the problem.
Julien urged the government to pay attention to food poverty and take more comprehensive action. “What we really need is for the government to take responsibility, not just offer some short-term solutions,” he said.
The commitment of these volunteers highlights how important community efforts are in addressing food poverty. Despite the lack of action from the government, the Bute Town Community Centre continues to provide crucial support to those most in need.