Town councillors to consider emergency grant request

Newtown Town Councillors will discuss an urgent request for a financial grant from Newtown Food Surplus at their August meeting.

The request from Newtown Food Surplus for £1,000 to purchase a 1200 litre commerical double door freezer will "enhance capabilities and sustain operations" according to a paper to be considered by town councillors.

According to the group, they face "significant challenges that require funding" due to their "limited storage capacity" which "restricts their ability to reain stock for exceptional needs".

The request for a commercial double door freezer will, according to them, be crutical to allow food supply fluctuations and sustain operations.

Newtown Food Surplus is a not-for-profit organisation which reduces food waste and addresses food poverty. It hosts twice-weekly community food shares and during 2023 collected 49 tonnes of food from local supermarkets. They also distribute food to local family centres, schools and has around 60 volunteers.

It is likely that the request will be approved by town councillors.