Food Bank Use Persists in Rhondda Cynon Taf Despite Slight Decrease

Strategic Insights -

Local food bank support manager Charmaine Walsh highlights the struggles of individuals who are forced to use emergency food parcels due to hardship, with over 16,634 parcels distributed across Rhondda Cynon Taf between April 2024 and March 2025. The number of emergency food parcels distributed saw a 7.7% decrease compared to the previous year, yet persists as a pressing issue, with a 30.1% rise compared to 2019-20. Walsh attributes the need for food banks to the high cost of living and low incomes from work and social security payments, leading to "in-work poverty" where both parents in a household are working but struggle to cover their expenses.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 16,634 emergency food parcels were distributed across Rhondda Cynon Taf between April 2024 and March 2025, with 5,793 provided for children.
  • RCT food banks saw a 7.7% decrease in emergency food parcels distributed compared to the previous year.
  • Despite this slight dip, RCT has experienced persistently high levels of food bank need, with a 30.1% rise when compared to 2019-20.
  • Charmaine Walsh highlights the struggles of individuals forced to use emergency food parcels, including doctors, nurses, and lawyers.
  • Walsh attributes the need for food banks to the high cost of living and low incomes from work and social security payments.
  • The UK Government's plans to slash support for disabled people risk pushing more people to the doors of food banks.
  • Taff-Ely food bank, together with Trussell Trust, is calling on the UK Government to rethink its planned cuts to disability benefits.

Statistics:

  • 16,634 emergency food parcels distributed across Rhondda Cynon Taf between April 2024 and March 2025.
  • 5,793 emergency food parcels provided for children.
  • 7.7% decrease in emergency food parcels distributed compared to the previous year.
  • 30.1% rise in emergency food parcels distributed when compared to 2019-20.
  • 420 boost to more than one million households through changes to Universal Credit.

Sources:

  • Local Democracy Reporting Service
  • Taff-Ely food bank
  • Trussell Trust