Hafod Support Local Food Cooperative
A MOTHER who started a successful Llynfi Valley food co-op last year has helped a school set up their own. Cheryl Mably, of Mynydd Glas, Maesteg, began Yummies at Caerau Community Centre last October.
Ms Mably, 33, set up the first co-op in the valley after being involved in a similar health scheme in Cwmbran. She said: "We enjoyed a great success last year when we opened the Community Food Co-op, Yummies, in Caerau Community Centre. We were the first in the Llynfi Valley.
"I was very excited to learn the school was interested in having their own."
Ms Mably, who has four children, went to introduce the children to how the co-op works. "The children were very eager," she said. "Within a week had held a competition to name their new co-op, Tutti Fruity and Veg."
Hafod Housing Association has very kindly donated 40 free bags of produce for the first 40 customers. The Community Food Co-op is voluntary and a non-profit organisation through which people can access affordable, quality fresh fruit and vegetables on a weekly basis. The group also accepts Healthy Start vouchers.
All the money taken goes direct to the supplier with no profit made by the co-op.
The initiative is controlled by the volunteers on behalf of the community.
"Running co-ops in this way ensures sustainability," said Ms Mably. "The customers order and pay for next week's bags. The supplier chooses a selection of seasonal produce that goes in the bags to offer the best value that week."
If you would like any more information about the Rural Regeneration Unit and how the Community Food Co-op's work or even if you are interested in setting up your own please contact richard.reast@rru.org.uk / 01443 402317 / 07918 715718 or visit the website at http://www.ruralregeneration.org.uk/
