New stats reveal nearly 17,000 emergency food parcels delivered in RCT
Rhondda Cynon Taf saw the second-most foodbank parcels distributed of any local authority in Wales
Nearly 17,000 emergency food parcels were provided to people facing hardship in Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) last year.
New figures released by the four foodbanks in RCT show that more than 16,835 emergency food parcels were handed out in 2025 with 5,900 of these provided for children.
This means Rhondda Cynon Taf saw the second-most foodbank parcels distributed of any local authority in Wales and the 35th-most of any local authority in the UK.
The foodbanks have seen a 0.1% slight increase in the number of emergency food parcels distributed compared to 2024.
A spokesman for the foodbanks said: “It has been a tough year. Far too many people in our communities are still going without the essentials as the cost of living continues to impact our communities.
“Donations are not keeping pace with the level of need and we encourage everyone who can do so to donate and ensure their local foodbank can continue to be there for anyone facing a crisis in RCT.
“We hear constantly about the struggles facing people at risk of hunger and hardship and, although we have seen some positive steps, we still need urgent action from the government to ensure everyone can afford the essentials and no-one has to use a foodbank to survive.”
The four foodbanks covering RCT are Pontypridd, Rhondda, Taff-Ely, and Merthyr Cynon (which also operates in Merthyr Tydfil County Borough).
They are part of the Trussell community of foodbanks which has highlighted the deep scars the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis have left on living standards with foodbank use across the UK still 45% higher than in 2019.
Families with children continue to be among the hardest hit, receiving 62% of parcels in 2025 despite these families making up just 42% of the UK population.
Annual figures from Trussell show more than 154,000 emergency food parcels were provided across Wales in 2025.
The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, said: “The cost of living continues to put pressure on many households across Wales, and the war in the Middle East potentially may drive up prices, adding to the anxiety many people already feel about putting food on the table, paying their bills and heating their homes.
“Supporting people through these pressures is a priority for us and we are doing all we can to help those who need support. This additional £1 million will help community organisations and food banks reach more people, as part of the wider work we are undertaking to tackle poverty."