Barcud has given donations to community fridges and food banks across the mid Wales region this Christmas. Thirteen donations have been made across Ceredigion and Powys to help over the festive period.
The work of volunteers and supporters in these community fridges and food banks is genuinely humbling. Our Housing and Cynnal teams are grateful for their help throughout the year.
One of these valuable facilities is based in Aberporth. The Community Fridge was launched in October 2021. With over 50 volunteers, the project located in Canolfan Dyffryn is a hive of activity.
Nicola King works on the project as a Community Fridge coordinator. She coordinates the collections for the project from the Co-op in Newcastle Emlyn, Tesco and Aldi, Sara and Meirion in Aberporth and Dewi James Butcher in Cardigan, and opens the centre for the public during the week. The project supports the community to reduce food waste and helps families and individuals in the area with access to free, quality food in times of need. Already in December, the Aberporth Community Fridge has saved 622 kilos of food from going to waste.
There is no requirement to pay for food in the Community Fridge, but some individuals who support the venture sometimes give a small donation as a thank you. This project is a lifeline to many. This Christmas, Nicola and her team of volunteers prepared and delivered 32 Christmas Food Hampers. Over 50 boxes of biscuits were also delivered to elderly people in Aberporth who are on their own this Christmas. These doorstep deliveries provided much welcomed engagement for those who will spending Christmas alone.
The project has become an important resource for this rural community and the feedback has been heart warming. Nicola added, “We rely on people in Aberporth to let us know who needs our support. We try and make sure everyone feels part of the community at what can be a lonely time of year if you are on your own”. Nicola would also like to thank all the local businesses and individuals, Aberporth Community Council, the village Church and local School for all their hard work to bring the project together.
Kate Curran, Group Director Finance and IT at Barcud said, “These charities provide invaluable support for our tenants and staff. The resourcefulness and commitment of their volunteers is fantastic.
We’re delighted to be able to support them to continue the excellent service they provide for the communities in mid Wales”.
In addition to the training and support offered to volunteers by the Aberporth Community Fridge, one of the new projects currently being coordinated by Nicola is the community garden to grow fruit and vegetables. By composting any leftover produce from the fridge, the volunteers can make sure there are freshly grown, sustainable and accessible fruit, vegetables and herbs for the community in 2022.
Nicola is also busy setting up a weekly Coffee Club for the New Year to combat loneliness during the winter months. Free coffee, cake and a warm welcome will be available at the Dyffryn Centre – Covid restrictions allowing. Please Contact Nicola for further information on 07368 327654.