Cardiff Food Pilot Highlights Benefits Of Government-Backed Healthy Food Schemes
Cardiff Food Pilot Highlights Benefits Of Government-Backed Healthy Food Schemes
Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.
A healthy food scheme in Cardiff that has helped low-income households buy organic fruit and vegetables is proving that government support with fresh food can deliver significant economic and social returns for Wales and the wider UK.
A new national report from Bridging the Gap examines nine pilot schemes across the UK.
The report found that £8.78 in social value can be generated when low-income households receive locally grown organic food, for every £1 of public funding alongside £1.10 from shoppers.
The return in value includes £3.11 in improved public health, £3.94 in strengthened communities, £1.44 in local economic growth and 29p in environmental benefits.
As part of the Bridging the Gap programme led by Sustain, Cardiff hosted one of the flagship pilots know as The Planet Card.
This scheme was developed by Cardiff Farmers Markets and Food Cardiff and provided eligible residents with a weekly £11 credit to purchase organic, environmentally friendly fruit and vegetables at Roath and Riverside’s farmer’s markets.
Following the success of the initial trial, the programme scaled from 20 to 120 households, reaching full capacity and giving low-income families the opportunity to shop directly with local organic growers.
Katie Palmer, Founder and Head of Food Sense Wales, said: “Through the Planet Card we’re proving that low-income households can shop with local organic farmers in a way that’s dignified, social and sustainable.
“The Bridging the Gap report shows that if government backs schemes like this at scale, the payoff in better health, thriving local businesses and climate action is huge.”
The Cardiff pilot was co-designed by farmers, market operators, dietitians and community organisations to ensure it aligned with real household budgets and culture around food.
The findings show that participants are consuming more fruit and vegetables, developing stronger connections with local markets, and gaining confidence in cooking with seasonal produce.
With the Welsh Government committing £3 million in funding for organic farming from 2026–27, Bridging the Gap advocates for that investment to align with schemes like the Planet Card and with the procurement of food in the public sector. This would ensure the Welsh-grown produce reaching Cardiff homes and establishments.
The Welsh Government said: “The Wales Community Food Strategy aims to maximise the potential for healthier, sustainable, and locally sourced food to address challenges such as food poverty, the prevention of diet related ill-health, social inclusion, and opportunities for green growth in local economies.
“This financial year, we have committed over £2m to strengthen and enhance the network of Local Food Partnerships across Wales.
“These partnerships provide strategic coordination for local food projects and create new opportunities to connect stakeholders, shorten supply chains, and build more resilient local food systems.”
Want more from Businessin Wales? Why not follow us on our socials
Listen to the Businessin Wales podcast
