Cardiff and Vale groups win Agency's healthy eating grants

Monday 10 November 2003

Twenty community, charity and voluntary groups working with the elderly, including one in Cardiff and another in Barry, have won funding for healthy eating events from Food Standards Agency Wales.

Organisations from across the country have been awarded grants ranging from £100 to £1000. The funding comes from a central pot of £10,000 set aside as part of the Agency's contribution to the Keep Well This Winter campaign.

Among the successful groups is the Barry Heart Health organisation, based in Barry.

The group has secured a grant of £329.80 towards running a free fruit and vegetable delivery service.

The East Moors Lunch Club in Cardiff, covering Splott, Tremorfa and Adamsdown has been successful, winning a grant of £200 towards addressing healthy eating and one of their lunches.

Jayne Griffiths is an Executive Officer for FSA Wales, who helped co-ordinate the bids for funding.

Jayne said: 'I was delighted at the number of applications for funding this year, and enthused by the initiative of the organisations that applied.

'I am confident that the 20 successful groups will use their grants to fully emphasise the importance of healthy eating for older people. I look forward to hearing how they all get on.'

Notes to editors

Healthy eating plays an important role in the health of older people.

It can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and some cancers, aid recovery from illness maintain independence and lead to a better quality of life.

A good diet is especially important during the winter, when people can be at their most vulnerable to illness.

Groups were invited to apply for funding between July and September this year.

Events must be held by the end of February 2004. The exact date is at the discretion of the successful organisation.

The KWTW initiative is co-ordinated by the National Assembly for Wales, and provides information and support to people aged 65 and over, to enable them to keep well during the winter months.

One of the Food Standards Agency¿s roles includes providing advice to the public and Government on nutrition and diet.

In providing this advice, its aims it to achieve long term improvements in the diet and nutrition of the population and a reduction in inequalities by enabling and encouraging the disadvantaged and vulnerable to improve their diets.

The National Assembly for Wales' key partners in the Keep Well This Winter campaign are: Age Concern Cymru; Care and Repair Cymru; the Food Standards Agency Wales; National Energy Action; the Royal National Institute for the Blind and the Wales Youth Agency.

The campaign is further supported by the National Association of Citizens' Advice Bureaux, the Welsh Local Government Association and NHS Direct Wales