The positive impact of the RCT Food partnership has been highlighted during a recent visit to Down to Zero by the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality, Sioned Williams.
Working to improve access to affordable food and strengthen local food networks across Rhondda Cynon Taf, the Council works alongside community and third-sector organisations, volunteers, food businesses and other partners to support residents experiencing food insecurity, while helping to develop a more sustainable and resilient local food system.
One organisation making a significant contribution to the ambitions of the RCT Food Partnership is Down to Zero, a not-for-profit community benefit society that grows affordable, healthy food while creating opportunities for local people to volunteer, develop skills and take part in climate action.
During 2025-26, Down to Zero engaged more than 180 people through events, training and volunteering activities. Its 44 regular volunteers contributed more than 5,600 hours, while its Llysh Bocs initiative distributed more than 230 food boxes, equivalent to 2.4 tonnes of sustainable food, to 80 customers across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Its work extends beyond food growing and distribution by improving access to green community spaces and supporting nature and biodiversity. This includes work with Cwmbach Community Wetlands, where 27 acres of wetlands and woodlands were brought into community ownership and leased to Cwmbach Community Wetlands Ltd to manage for 25 years.
Down to Zero also regularly hosts volunteers from Men’s Shed Pontyclun and works with organisations such as Think Creatively to provide nature-based activities that help local people develop skills, connect with others and improve their wellbeing.
The Council also administers Welsh Government funding to support community organisations responding to hardship across the County Borough, with over £206,000 awarded to 112 community organisations during 2025-26, through the Welsh Government Emergency Food Support Fund and RCT Winter Hardship Fund.
Kevin Edwards, one of the site managers at Down to Zero, Llantrisant, said: "As the Llysiau lead at Down to Zero, my role is to help with the general running of the site, and to run the Llysh Bocs deliveries. At the moment I am delivering vegetable boxes to 40 families through RCT.
“The scheme is to help families who are struggling with food poverty with deliveries every three days. It’s heartbreaking to hear that families are struggling to feed their children, so I’m really proud to be involved in a scheme that is trying to reduce food poverty.”
The wider impact of this partnership approach was recognised during the visit to Down to Zero on Thursday, September 17, attended by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality, Sioned Williams. During a tour of the site, the Deputy First Minister met volunteers, staff and community partners and learned how the project provides affordable, locally-grown food while creating volunteering opportunities and environmental initiatives for local people.
The visit coincided with the Welsh Government’s announcement of £4.8 million for local authorities across Wales to provide emergency food support and help prevent poverty over the longer term. The funding will be used to strengthen community-based support networks, provide grants to organisations facing increased demand and help community groups purchase equipment to store and distribute food.
Sioned Williams, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equality, said:"Nobody in Wales should have to go without food or struggle to make ends meet. This funding will help local authorities respond quickly to people in crisis right now, while also building the long-term support that helps families avoid hardship in future.
"We know the cost of living continues to put pressure on households across the country, and that's why we're targeting support where it's needed most. We want every part of Wales to have the resources they need to support people through difficult times and build lasting resilience for the future."
By bringing together community groups, public bodies and food businesses, the RCT Food Partnership helps organisations share knowledge, identify local needs and develop a more coordinated approach to improving access to healthy, affordable and sustainable food across Rhondda Cynon Taf, coproducing the first RCT Food Strategy Taith Bwyd - The Food Journey 2025-2030.
In 2025, the partnership secured the Silver Sustainable Food Places Award, recognising the strength of its cross-sector collaboration and long-term work to tackle food poverty.
Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture & Leisure, said: “No one should have to experience food insecurity, and we have worked with the Welsh Government and our community partners over a number of years to develop a strong network of support across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
“During 2025-26, the Council awarded more than £206,000 to 112 community organisations through the Welsh Government’s Food Support Fund and Winter Hardship Fund, helping them provide vital support to residents across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
“Down to Zero is a fantastic example of the positive difference community organisations make across Rhondda Cynon Taf. Through its work to provide affordable, locally-grown food, support volunteers and create opportunities for people to engage with nature, the project is improving lives, strengthening communities and enabling residents to become involved in local environmental action.
“The Welsh Government’s announcement of continued funding is therefore very welcome and will help us continue supporting community organisations and strengthening local networks through the RCT Food Partnership, ensuring residents can access practical support within their communities.”
The new Welsh Government Tackling Poverty Support Funding Package will support families across RCT, providing wider poverty prevention activities, direct food support and support to local community organisations.
Down to Zero a not-for-profit community benefit society established to support community led environmental activities that help tackle climate change.
Find out more about Down to Zero
The RCT Food Partnership is an award-winning network of organisations and individuals that are passionate about healthy, sustainable and accessible food for all.
Find out more about the RCT Food Partnership
Posted on 15/10/2026