A new food co-op in Newtown is proving a hit, providing low cost, healthy and locally sourced food to residents in the area.
And on the Tuesday, 1st October the Newydd Newtown Food Co-Op will host an open day to demonstrate how its service can help even more residents in the area.
The Welsh network of Community Food Co-operatives is bringing friends and neighbours together to learn more about the local food co-op at a community open day at St David’s House between 12-2pm.
Community Food Co-operatives provide shoppers with locally sourced produce at an affordable price, whilst making sure money spent is supporting suppliers in the local area.
More than 300 Co-operatives across Wales offer mixed bags of seasonal fruit and vegetables for sale every week at a cost of between £3 and £4, at venues including schools, community centres, church halls, workplaces and other venues.
Members of the Newydd Newtown Food Co-op will be showcasing locally sourced produce from the harvest season along with tasty recipe ideas at St David’s House, which also serves as a regular Co-op venue, and members of the public are invited to join in.
Debbie Neale, General Manager of the Rural Regeneration Unit (RRU), said: “Food Co-operatives are a great way to benefit the local community, both financially and socially.
“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.”
Debbie continued: “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.
“Taking part really is a win-win situation for everyone, therefore, and the open day a great opportunity for members of the community to come along and find out more.”
The RRU is an independent social enterprise that has helped create hundreds of community food co-ops in Wales as part of its commitment to support the regeneration of communities across the UK.
More information is also available at www.foodcoopswales.org.uk or www.ruralregeneration.org.uk