In January 2026, FareShare Cymru visited the Big Bocs Bwyd project at Prendergast CP School with local MP Henry Tufnell and Jonathan Wallcroft from FareShare UK. The visit highlighted the power of surplus food. It showed how creativity and strong community leadership can transform learning and strengthen families.
Based in Haverfordwest, the Big Bocs Bwyd is far more than a food project. Instead, it acts as a welcoming community hub. Here, children and families learn about food, sustainability and wellbeing. At the same time, they access free or low-cost surplus food in a dignified setting.
A School at the Heart of Its Community
The Welsh Government funded Big Bocs Bwyd programme launched in 2021. Since then, schools across Wales have developed local models to meet community needs.
At Prendergast CP School, staff transformed shipping containers into practical learning spaces. They also created a community shop stocked with surplus food from FareShare Cymru.
The school opened Big Bocs Bwyd in September 2023. From the beginning, leaders linked it with the pupil-led enterprise Preloved@Prendergast. This initiative promotes reusing and recycling clothes and household items. Together, the projects reduce waste and ease financial pressure. As a result, pupils build pride, independence and confidence.
Learning Through Food
Food education runs throughout the school week. For example, pupils grow produce, cook meals and explore nutrition using surplus food from FareShare Cymru.
In addition, a health nutritionist and local chef deliver family cooking workshops. These sessions help children understand balanced meals and healthy choices. Meanwhile, parents lead cultural cookery sessions celebrating Turkish, Greek and Spanish cuisines. Through this approach, children try new foods and explore different traditions.
Supporting Families and Reducing Food Waste
Through Big Bocs Bwyd, the school provides practical and dignified access to food. Families can choose Grab ’n’ Go meal bags or Too Good To Go bags. As a result, they make the most of surplus food while reducing waste.
Furthermore, Springboard have previously delivered parent workshops at the school. These include cooking with children, pizza party planning and a Level 2 Food Hygiene course. Consequently, parents build skills, grow in confidence and strengthen family bonds.
Community, Enterprise and Outdoor Learning
The project reaches beyond the school gates. For instance, pupils and staff host stalls at Haverfoodfest and the school’s Prenderbury Festival. These events showcase enterprise and community pride.
Pupils also created the CogUrdd Cookbook. They secured sponsorship from a local solicitors and sold copies locally. In doing so, they developed business skills while raising funds.
Meanwhile, Prendergardd, the school’s community garden, plays a key role. Through gardening sessions and a summer club, children stay active and connect with nature. They also learn where food comes from.
Recognition and Young People Leading Change
The project continues to gain recognition. It earned awards at the Pembrokeshire County Show and achieved Level 2 in the RHS School Gardening Awards. In addition, it secured a shortlist place in the Climate Challenge Cymru Awards.
Students from Haverfordwest High School volunteer at Big Bocs Bwyd as part of their curriculum. At the same time, the Havergardd Youth Squad has raised funds to support the project. Together, young people drive positive change in their own community.
Turning Surplus Food into Opportunity
FareShare Cymru’s support underpins Big Bocs Bwyd at Prendergast CP School. Through this partnership, surplus food becomes a tool for learning, enterprise and community connection.
Looking ahead, the school plans to recruit more volunteers and expand family workshops. It also hopes to secure funding for a new community room. Ultimately, this space could support a future pupil-led café.
Prendergast CP School shows what happens when food sits at the heart of a community. It nourishes learning. It strengthens wellbeing. And it brings people together.