NEWS

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.

1 month ago   2 minutes read    1,490 views

The image for Newtown Food Surplus wins at business awards

Photo: Newtown Food Surplus director Jonathan Bushell (right) receives the Social Enterprise/ Charity Award from Nick Jones from Myrick Training Services.

Share            Listen to the story

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.


  Other Trending Stories

You've viewed 1 stories so far!

All About Newtown is an independent not-for-profit online news and information service for the town of Newtown in Mid Wales. We provide ad-free content, so rely on reader subscriptions and donations to run.

  Donate via PayPal

Related or similar stories based on this one

Image for the article Annual business awards open for nominations
Annual business awards open for nominations

1 year ago

Image for the article Local businesses shortlisted for prestigious awards
Local businesses shortlisted for prestigious awards

3 months ago

Image for the article Tesco kicks off winter food collection
Tesco kicks off winter food collection

5 days ago

Business of the Week
The Beauty Storm

Shortbridge Street

Follow us

Connect with us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Google News

     

Trending
Newtown chapel sells for £200k

5 hours ago

Shop to close after nearly a century

2 days ago

See what's on next week in our area (W49)

2 days ago

Donate to us

We're a not-for-profit community interest company and have no corporate owners. We'd appreciate anything you can give to keep us providing free content.

  Donate via PayPal
Upcoming Events
Fire Experience Day

04/12/24 10:00am

The Wicked Witches Of Oz

05/12/24 07:00pm

The Wicked Witches Of Oz

06/12/24 07:00pm

Latest Stories
Newtown chapel sells for £200k

5 hours ago

New ALN strategy approved

8 hours ago

Can you help find rough sleepers?

13 hours ago