Foodshare Project expands to St Athan
The St Athan Foodshare scheme is an extension of the wider Llantwit Food Project, led by the Food Vale Partnership overseen by the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board Public Health team and delivered in collaboration with local partners, including the Vale of Glamorgan Council and Glamorgan Voluntary Services.
The partnership aims to build a thriving, healthy and sustainable food system in the Vale.
Following a successful first year in Llantwit Major, the project secured space at the Gathering Place, Flemingston Road, St Athan CF62 4JH to hold a fortnightly food pantry.
Led by Food Vale with funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, the pantry aims to improve access to affordable, good food in the community while reducing food waste.
The pop-up store will be run by Glamorgan Voluntry Services (GVS) fortnightly and will be stocked with surplus foods from supermarkets, and freshly grown produce from local growing projects.
Customers will be able to shop for a range of goods, including fruit and vegetables, bakery goods, refrigerated and frozen products, for £5.
The next pantry will take place on Wednesday 24 January 2024, 11.30 – 1pm and is open to all Vale of Glamorgan residents.
Cllr Eddie Williams, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Health said: “As we head into winter, many families will be feeling the effects of the cost-of-living crisis more than ever.
“The More Than Food Project continues to play an instrumental role in alleviating the pressures of food insecurity in Llantwit Major and so I’m delighted to see it expand to St Athan.
“The Gathering Place is a versatile venue that already sees large numbers through the door to access support and advice, making it an ideal venue for the newest food pantry.
“A big thank you and well done goes to Food Vale partners for continuing to deliver and develop a service that is relied upon by so many.”
Paul Warren, Operational Manager at Glamorgan Voluntary Services, said: “The St Athan FoodShare model is based on a successful one currently operated at the Llantwit Major CF61 Centre, also managed by Glamorgan Voluntary Services (GVS).
“The service is extremely valued by the local community and helps contribute to the success of the Food Project Partnership.”
GVS is recruiting volunteers to support the project. Enquiries about volunteering opportunities can be submitted by emailing volunteering@gvs.wales.