A new food co-operative has been launched in Caerphilly town to help people struggling with increasing food bills.
The food co-op is open to everyone and offers locally-sourced fresh produce at £3 a bag.
The St Catherine’s food co-op will be run weekly by volunteers and all money taken will go straight to the supplier and back into the local economy.
Reverend Gareth Coombes, associate priest of the parish of Caerphilly, said: “We are really excited about the concept of running a food co-op and building links with the local community in Caerphilly. This is a real opportunity to reach out in mission in a practical way.”
Debbie Neale, general manager of the Rural Regeneration Unit (RRU), said, “Buying fresh produce from your local co-op could not only save you money, but also help your friends and family eat more healthily and bring them together with like-minded members of the community too.
“Food purchased at your local co-op also ensures any money is spent is with local suppliers and involves less packaging and fewer food miles too.”
The food co-op will run every Wednesday between 11.30am and 2pm in the church hall in Mill Road, Caerphilly.
Meanwhile, an appeal has been made for food donations to local foodbanks in the area.
Last year the number of people using foodbanks in Wales tripled.
With seasonal harvest festival celebrations taking place over recent weeks Caerphilly county Borough’s volunteer-run foodbanks serving Blackwood, Risca and New Tredegar, along with the Bridging the Gap initiative in Caerphilly, are welcoming donations.
Among those receiving donations is the Elim Baptist Church in Pontllanfraith. The foodbank is co-ordinated by Rev Sue Phillips, who also runs Blackwood Street Pastors along with a night shelter for the homeless.
Rev Phillips, said, “Foodbanks like this are absolutely essential. Volunteers at foodbanks are already dealing with a number of residents, and that number will certainly rise now with the increasing financial pressures being placed on families.
“The donation of non-perishable goods like tinned products or jars of pasta sauce really can make all the difference. I encourage people to give what they are able to.”
Tony Graham, of the Trussell Trust, which co-ordinates foodbanks, said, “Without the generous support of individuals who donate we would not be able to feed the many thousands of people we do.”
It was very good to be at the food co – op launch on Wednesday. Everybody seemed to be enjoying themselves and there was a nice friendly atmosphere in the hall. There should be every effort made to encourage buying healthy local produce. Hopefully the co – op will prove a great success.
sorry to go off topic but why are abhb allowed to sell this when local miners bought and paid for it. It needs to go back to the community like caerphilly miners: http://www.eigroup.co.uk/files/147/18687/012f965e…
What utter nonsense. Go to a green grocers and you'll pick a bag of fresh produce just as cheap.
They want jars of pasta sauce – how about buying a cheap tin of tomatoes. Foodbanks are there so people can feel good about themselves and think they are helping 'the poor'. There is no need for foodbanks in this county – food as never been so cheap.
Obviously 'Tax payer' isn't living in the real world. The below report from the OECD in June 2013 states that food inflation in the UK is the highest in Europe.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/10098624/Brita…
In 21st Century Briatin we have a deplorable state of affiars when food banks are set up to provide much needed assistance to people struggling to make ends meet. The UK Government has capped benefits at 1% and average earnings are going up 4 or 5 times LESS than food inflation. More and more people are struggling to get by.
I would ask 'Tax Payer' to do a little more research before taking to the airwaves. Initiatives like the food co – op are much needed in society.
I do live in the real world. I don't need reports by some do gooders. Just walk into a shop – food had never been so cheap. I made a soup last week that lasted three days for about £3. Do these people who use foodbanks have a tv, mobile phones etc.
I'd throw food away before giving it to a foodbank.
Over the past two weeks the food co-op at St Catherine's has been overwhelmingly successful. Not only is it a way to buy affordable fruit and vegetables at outstanding quality, but it is also about providing a place where local people can meet together and socialise; especially those who often find themselves alone and isolated. It is the foundation of the Church to reach out into the local community of which it is a part. Projects like the St Catherine's Food Co-op and Caerphilly Food Bank are just two very practical ways in which the Church together with others can make a difference. Perhaps you would like to offer to make a batch of soup for next Wednesday, which offers such outstanding value for £3.