Presenter AJ Odudu surprises Welsh food bank with life-changing National Lottery funding announcement

The much-needed funding will enable the organisation to continue providing emergency food supplies and launch a baby provision service, easing the burden on residents and young families in the area.

The announcement came during Taff-Ely’s Advice and Information Day, which aims to eradicate the need for food banks. With 12 partner agencies taking part, including Citizen’s Advice and Manage Money Wales, the day offered holistic advice with the aim of ensuring locals can get the right support long before they need to seek a food bank.

During the visit, AJ surprised attendees with news of the funding, before spending time with members of the project to see first-hand the work they do and the impact it makes to the local community.

National Lottery Ambassador, AJ Odudu, said, “Growing up, I knew what it was like when money was tight and families were just trying to make ends meet. No one should have to struggle to afford the basics. That’s why I’m so passionate about supporting families with food and baby essentials and about building a future where, one day, we won’t even need food banks.

Being here at Taff-Ely Food Bank has been so inspiring. The difference they’re making in people’s lives is incredible and it’s all thanks to you, National Lottery players! Your support really does keep communities like this going strong and it means the world.”

Andrew Butcher, CEO of Taff Ely, said, “We were honoured to welcome AJ Odudu to the food bank to announce the news of additional National Lottery funding from The National Lottery Community Fund and support us at our Advice and Information Day. With this additional funding, our food banks can continue to be spaces of connection and community care. They’re places where people can take proactive steps to support themselves and others.

This National Lottery funding enables us to grow that spirit of generosity and ensure everyone has access to the support they deserve with dignity and purpose.”

David Knott, CEO of The National Lottery Community Fund, said, “Taff-Ely Foodbank are truly at the heart of their community. Not only do they provide vital emergency food and supplies to those in need, but their interventions to try and prevent the need for using food banks are nothing short of remarkable. We’re delighted to have awarded them additional funding, so they can continue delivering their life-changing service to local people.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, we put over £3 million a day into the hands of communities across the UK through organisations like Taff-Ely Foodbank – helping them tackle urgent challenges and shape a fairer future.”

This funding announcement is part of The National Lottery’s Because of You campaign, a nationwide initiative fronted by Claudia Winkleman that shines a light on the individuals and groups transforming lives across the UK – across Heritage, Community, Arts, Film and Sport – ahead of The National Lottery’s 31st birthday in November.

Since National Lottery funding began in 1994 more than 650,000 projects have been funded with the astonishing over £50 billion raised by players with a little pink ticket or Scratchcard. Of this, over £18.4 billion has been invested into communities across the UK by The National Lottery Community Fund. Every week, on average, National Lottery players raise more than £30M which fund projects across every postcode area in the UK.