In a re-enactment of the 1920s Hunger Marches, campaigners are calling for Right to Food and collecting donations for local food banks on Saturday. Wales goalkeeping legend Neville Southall will also address the rally in Pontypridd.
Campaigners and trade unionists in Rhondda Cynon Taf are staging a protest against food poverty, government inaction and the cost-of-living crisis.
The march will kick off this Saturday 27 January in the Cynon, Rhondda and Taff valleys and culminate in Pontypridd. There, demonstrators are set to rally at YMa, demanding a Right to Food in UK law.
Food prices were the highest they had ever been since 1977, up by 19.1%, exposing a glaring reality of food inflation and insecurity.
A YouGov survey revealed that between 2022 and 2023, almost two in every five households in the UK were eating less because they couldn’t couldn’t access or afford food. Over 760,000 people used a food bank for the first time, according to the Trussell Trust.
AJ Le Brun from Rhondda Cynon Taf Trades Union Council said, “It is a shocking reflection on modern Britain that communities like ours are again suffering rampant food insecurity and abject poverty.
“In one of the richest countries in the world, that is an absolute disgrace.”
This modern-day protest carries echoes of the 1927 Hunger Marches, where Rhondda miners and trade unionists marched to London, vehemently opposing government cuts, coalfield closures and neglect of the most impoverished by the Baldwin government.
Stemming from the General Strike in 1926, the widening gaps between miners and mine owners, coupled with overwork and underpayment, fueled tensions. Refusal of relief to unemployed miners and their families led to a demonstration that attracted over 10,000 participants.
Recognising the success of that movement in shedding light on workers’ struggles, the Valleys are poised for a similar collective effort once again.
Wales football legend Neville Southall, Cynon Valley MP Beth Winter and representatives from local food banks will be addressing the gathering in Pontypridd.
The Communication Workers Union Rep Jason Richards encourages people to support the demo in numbers through cash and food donations and solidarity in numbers.
He said, “We will be calling the UK Government to action to end food poverty. We will also be collecting for brilliant local food banks on the day, so please bring a tin to share if you are able.”
“We call on people to join trade unions, charities and campaigners to join us and march in Pontypridd on 27th January for the Right to Food.”
Anyone who is interested in joining the march can drop an email to RCTTradesCouncil@gmail.com.
Alternatively, those who want to support the march can make a free booking on Eventbrite.
