Newtown Food Surplus wins at business awards

A not-for-profit organisation which has been running since 2021 to reduce food waste and address food poverty in rural Wales was a popular winner at the Powys Business Awards.

Newtown Food Surplus, based at Unit 8, St Giles Industrial Park, Newtown, collected the Social Enterprise/ Charity Award, sponsored by Myrick Training Services, at the annual awards ceremony held at Dering Lines, Brecon on Friday.

Organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG), the awards showcase the diverse range of successful enterprises within Powys.

Jonathan Bushell, a director of Newtown Food Surplus, said: “This award is going to shared amongst the 80 volunteers who have been recognised and valued for their work.”

Underlining the value of Newtown Food Surplus, in the first six months of 2024, our food shares recorded 3,043 visits, a 28% increase, and successfully diverted 31.3 tonnes of food from landfill, a 42% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

In the first six months of this year, the organisation saved 31.2 tons of food from landfill, a 42% increase on the same period last year.

The organisation makes daily collections from seven supermarkets. In 2023, Newtown Food Surplus collected 49 tons of food and provided twice-weekly community food shares, serving more than 175 households weekly.

A dedicated team of 80 diverse volunteers helps to distribute food through partnerships with local family centres, crisis centres, schools, nurseries and community cafes.

By collaborating with Helping Our Homeless in Builth Wells and community cafes in Newtown, Llanfair Caereinion and Llanidloes, surplus food is reaches those in need across a wider area

Future plans by Newtown Food Surplus include expanding its link with the national Fareshare programme to reach more people living in deprived areas and rural communities, introducing cooking initiatives that promote healthy eating using fresh ingredients and educating children about recycling and food waste to promote sustainability.

To overcome transport issues, which prevent some people from accessing the service, the organisation is partnering with rural primary schools to provide surplus food for breakfast clubs, afternoon fruit snacks and mini food shares

“Our achievements demonstrate our capacity to make a real difference, ensuring that everyone is welcome in our community and has access to food and support.”

The award judges said: “Not only does Newtown Food Surplus reduce food waste massively - around on ton a week - but they also help more than 200 local people as well as schools and nurseries with food poverty.

“We were impressed by the innovative approach and the sheer hard work and enthusiasm from the team and volunteers.”

Award runners-up were BB – Sustainable Tourism CIC, Brecon, East Radnorshire Care, Presteigne and Lingen Davies Cancer Fund, Newtown.

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