Each year in Wales, around 400,000 tonnes of food is wasted, much of it still perfectly good to eat. At the same time, 1 in 5 adults in Wales face poverty and food insecurity. Through the Surplus with Purpose Cymru Fund, FareShare Cymru works with Welsh producers and food businesses to redirect good-to-eat surplus food to charities and community organisations across the country — turning an environmental challenge into a social solution.

Originally introduced to remove cost barriers that prevent businesses from donating surplus food, the fund covers transport, staffing and packaging costs, making it completely free for Welsh food producers to donate.

With this renewed three-year commitment, even more surplus food can stay in Wales and reach people who need it most.

Supporting Welsh Growers to Support Welsh Communities

Between April 2025 and March 2026, the Surplus with Purpose Cymru Fund helped rescue over 58 tonnes of Welsh produce, supporting 186 Community Food Members across South Wales and providing the equivalent of 138,795 meals to an estimated 21,390 people.

Supporting Welsh growers means supporting Welsh communities — helping ensure good food reaches plates, not landfill.

Removing Barriers for Welsh Food Producers

In recent years, rising costs across the food sector have made surplus redistribution more difficult, with disposal routes such as anaerobic digestion often cheaper than donation.

The Surplus with Purpose Cymru Fund helps remove those barriers by covering the practical costs associated with redistribution — making it easier for producers to ensure surplus food reaches people instead of going to waste.

Welsh growers and producers consistently highlight how important the fund has been.

Piers Lunt, Head Grower at Bremenda Isaf Farm, said:

“This fund has been absolutely instrumental in diverting surplus from waste. We had a situation where cucumbers destined for school meals were producing significant quantities during the summer holidays. It was a lifeline for us to have a third-sector route with no limit on the quantities it could handle.”

Matthew Thomas, National Account Manager at Puffin Produce, added:

“The Surplus with Purpose initiative offers a solution to the problem of food waste by allowing us to cover harvesting and labour costs for donating otherwise commercially unviable surplus.”

Turning Surplus Food into Community Impact

Surplus food redistributed through the fund supports hundreds of charities and community organisations across Wales — helping them provide meals, reduce food costs and create welcoming spaces where people can connect.

As one community member attending a surplus-food-supported lunch club at Grow Rhondda shared:

“This was more than just food to me.”

Together, partnerships like these show how surplus food can do far more than fill plates — it helps strengthen communities across Wales.

A Welsh Solution for Welsh Food

The renewal of the Surplus with Purpose Cymru Fund ensures Welsh producers can continue donating surplus food free of charge, while communities benefit from reliable access to nutritious ingredients.

It reinforces a simple principle:

Welsh surplus food belongs on Welsh plates.

Food businesses interested in donating through the Surplus with Purpose Cymru Fund can contact swp@fareshare.cymru to learn more.

The post Surplus with Purpose Cymru Fund Renewed for Three Years Thanks to Welsh Government Support appeared first on FareShare Cymru.

Developing Life Skills Through the College Community Shop

Beechwood College offers a personalised curriculum focused on confidence, independence, and lifelong learning. As part of this approach, the college runs a community shop where students practise packing shopping and handling produce safely.

Students also help organise stock and prepare items for sessions. This gives them real-world experience in teamwork and responsibility. Meanwhile, the shop itself is vibrant and welcoming. During our visit, students regularly stopped by to say hello and get involved.

Because the shop is part of everyday college life, it creates a natural space for interaction and learning.

Culinary Learning and Student Food Education

In addition, surplus food from FareShare Cymru is used in cooking sessions. These sessions help students develop practical kitchen skills in a supportive environment.

Students learn how to prepare simple meals using fresh, chilled, and ambient ingredients. At the same time, they explore nutrition and safe food handling. As a result, learners become more confident using ingredients creatively and reducing food waste.

Student-Led Enterprises and Creative Projects

Students at Beechwood College also take part in enterprise activities. For example, they create handmade items to sell through Etsy.

Through this work, students practise planning, making, and presenting products. They also learn about budgeting and customer awareness. Together, these activities support independence and confidence in a practical way.

Summer Hatch: Expanding Food Learning Opportunities

Looking ahead, the college plans to introduce a summer hatch where students will serve ice cream from the shop space. This will create another opportunity to practise teamwork and service skills.

Importantly, projects like this help students apply what they learn in real situations. As a result, confidence continues to grow over time.

The Role of FareShare Cymru in Wales

FareShare Cymru supplies in-date surplus food that supports learning across the college. Because of this support, students can take part in practical food-based activities each week.

In addition, food redistribution in Wales helps reduce waste while supporting education. Therefore, partnerships like this create both social and environmental benefits.

Developing Confidence, Independence, and Life Skills

Through the community shop, cooking sessions, and enterprise activities, students develop a wide range of transferable skills. These include:

• food handling and hygiene
• organisation and stock awareness
• teamwork and communication
• planning and problem-solving
• nutrition awareness
• confidence and independence

Together, these experiences help students prepare for life beyond college.

Community, Education, and Sustainability

Overall, Beechwood College shows how surplus food can support meaningful learning. At the same time, it helps reduce waste through food redistribution in Wales.

Partnerships like this demonstrate how practical activities can build confidence, support independence, and strengthen student experience across the college community.

The post Beechwood College, Sully – Learning Through Food and Creativity appeared first on FareShare Cymru.

The pantry operates weekly on Thursdays from the CF61 building on Station Road, supporting around 65–70 households per session. During peak periods in November and December 2023, attendance reached a record 75 households in a single week, typically feeding families of four. Between 2023–2024, the pantry recorded 3,109 visits, reaching an estimated 12,436 people over the year. 

Affordable Food with Choice and Dignity 

For just £5, customers receive food worth at least three times that value. Stock includes chilled, frozen, ambient and fresh produce, alongside fruit, vegetables, and bakery items. 

To meet growing demand, the pantry has shifted from a fully self-serve model. Volunteers now work alongside customers, helping them select items that suit their household needs. This ensures sessions run smoothly while maintaining dignity, choice, and personal interaction. 

There are no eligibility criteria, keeping the pantry accessible and stigma-free. Customers may be facing financial pressure, living in a rural area with limited food options, or simply wanting to prevent food waste. All £5 contributions are reinvested into purchasing high-quality, in-date food for the following week, focusing on ingredient-based products households can combine with surplus goods to create meals. 

Customer feedback shows the difference the pantry makes: 

“It makes a huge difference – we can have a proper meal. A shop here does at least two meals for four of us when we would otherwise have gone without.” 

“It’s greatly helped me financially and I eat a much wider variety of things now.” 

The Role of FareShare Cymru 

FareShare Cymru supports the pantry’s weekly operation by redistributing in-date surplus food that would otherwise go to waste. Additional stock comes from FareShare Go collections from Tesco and Waitrose, local Co-op stores, local producers, In Kind Direct, and individual donations. 

Across the Llantwit Major and St Athan pantries, an average of 300kg of surplus food is redistributed each week — providing environmental benefits while supporting households across the Vale. 

More Than a Pantry 

The FoodShare Pantry has grown into a wider community hub. Customers book 10-minute slots to manage flow, while volunteers create a welcoming, supportive atmosphere. 

The CF61 building also hosts a community café, clothes bank, and access to advice services, helping address broader needs such as budgeting, employment, and wellbeing. Around 35 volunteers across both pantry sites ensure smooth operations while keeping the space friendly and personal. 

Growth and Development 

In January 2024, GVS launched FoodShare Pantry St Athan, extending its reach within the Vale of Glamorgan. Work continues to raise awareness of this new provision and refine the model to best meet local needs. 

The evolution of the Llantwit Major Pantry demonstrates responsiveness to demand — adapting its approach so families continue to receive affordable, accessible food in a dignified way. 

GVS FoodShare Pantry shows how FareShare Cymru’s redistribution model enables food members to deliver practical, community-based support while reducing food waste. 

FareShare Cymru helps the community food pantry in Wales provide choice, protect the environment, and strengthen community resilience. Partnerships like this turn good food into positive social and environmental impact across Wales. 

The post GVS FoodShare Pantry: Affordable Meals, Stronger Communities  appeared first on FareShare Cymru.

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.

The post Prendergast Community Primary School: Growing Together Through Food appeared first on FareShare Cymru.

A Lifeline in Times of Need

For many people in Bridgend, BARC is more than a support centre—it is a lifeline. One staff member shared the stark reality of life for some service users:

“We lose around two clients a year to the cold,”

reflecting the devastating impact of winter on people sleeping rough. Service users emphasised the importance of the centre, noting BARC’s provision of two meals a day, ensures that those most vulnerable have access to consistent nourishment and a safe space, particularly during the harsh winter months.

The Transformative Impact of a Pop-Up Kitchen

Thanks to a Pop-Up Kitchen provided by FareShare Cymru, BARC has dramatically increased its capacity to serve hot, nutritious meals. Before the kitchen, staff could only prepare sandwiches or small portions of porridge, limiting the number of clients who could be fed and the variety of meals offered. Now, with the new kitchen, the centre can serve hot lunches to up to 60 people at a time, including roasts with vegetables, Yorkshire puddings, and gravy.

“We can do 60 bowls of porridge at once,” explained a staff member. “Before we couldn’t do that. Now we can do a big pot, and everybody gets fed.”

The kitchen also allows BARC to make the most of surplus food from FareShare Cymru, reducing waste while increasing the quality and nutritional value of the meals provided.

Beyond Meals: Building Community

The Pop-Up Kitchen has enabled BARC to expand its services and strengthen social connections. Former service users often volunteer in the kitchen, helping to prepare meals and giving back to the community. One example is John, who was once homeless:

“He’s been housed for a while now and he’s working here every day. Most of our volunteers have evolved from service users.”

Volunteers like John gain skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose, while service users benefit from a welcoming, supportive environment. Staff and volunteers also ensure that clients receive wraparound support, including help with budgeting, tenancy management, and life skills.

“It’s all right giving someone a house, but if they can’t manage it, you’re just setting them up to fail. We have a plan for every client, making sure they can keep their flat,” a staff member explained.

During our visit, the kitchen was a hub of activity, with staff preparing meals while service users collected food, chatted, and connected with neighbours:

“Breakfast is just toast and cereal, but lunch… that’s where you can see everyone come together,” said a staff member.

The Impact of FareShare Cymru

FareShare Cymru’s support has been instrumental in this transformation. The Pop-Up Kitchen provides a reliable platform for nutritious meals, enabling BARC to expand services and plan ahead confidently. By turning surplus food into hot meals and community events, FareShare Cymru helps BARC reduce food waste, strengthen social ties, and improve wellbeing for vulnerable individuals.

“The Pop-Up Kitchen from FareShare Cymru has completely changed what we can offer our clients. It’s more than food—it’s hope, warmth, and a lifeline”

Looking Forward

With the Pop-Up Kitchen, BARC can reach more people than ever before, providing not only meals but also a sense of community, dignity, and stability. Plans are underway to open a second centre focused on families, offering a café, therapy sessions, and healthy cooking workshops, ensuring that children and parents receive support before challenges escalate.

Through its partnership with FareShare Cymru, BARC demonstrates the power of practical resources combined with compassion. By providing food, care, and community, the centre continues to transform lives in Bridgend.

“Knowing people can come in, have a hot meal, and feel supported—it’s what we’ve always aimed for. FareShare Cymru has helped us make that possible,”

The post Bridgend Community Outreach Centre: Food, Support and Hope appeared first on FareShare Cymru.

FareShare Cymru has launched its Meals with Meaning campaign. It runs from 12 pm today, 2 December, until 12 pm on 9 December. During this week, we invite supporters across Wales to help turn surplus food into shared meals, connection, and joy for people who need it most.

Every £1 Makes a Difference
Every £1 donated provides the equivalent of four meals. As a result, over 240 community groups benefit across Wales. These include youth clubs, breakfast clubs, warm spaces, and lunch hubs.

Make Twice the Impact!
Thanks to The Big Give, the first £300 donated will be doubled. This helps unlock even more meals for local communities. Moreover, every donation enters a free prize draw to win Penderyn Distillery Tour tickets. Terms and conditions apply.

Volunteers at the Heart of the Campaign
Volunteers are essential to Meals with Meaning. Among them are Allyson and Joe, a husband-and-wife team from Cardiff. They volunteer weekly at the warehouse, packing, picking, and preparing food for community groups.

Allyson says:

“Every time I go home I say, ‘This is so satisfying.’ With this, it’s instant — you know the food is going to a group that will really appreciate it.”

A Call for Collective Generosity
Bethan Cook, Marketing & Communications Lead at FareShare Cymru, explains:

“This year’s Meals with Meaning campaign shows the power of collective generosity. Every pound donated helps us deliver more meals, reduce food waste, and support the incredible community groups who make a real difference in people’s lives. Together, we can ensure more families and individuals across Wales feel supported this winter.”

How You Can Help

• Donate between 12 pm, 2 December, and 12 pm, 9 December
• The first £300 donated will be doubled via The Big Give
• Every donation enters a free prize draw to win Penderyn Distillery Tour tickets
• Visit: www.fareshare.cymru/meals-with-meaning

By donating, you help turn surplus food into meals, friendship, and connection. Therefore, you make this winter brighter for communities across Wales.

The post Meals with Meaning Week Launches Across Wales appeared first on FareShare Cymru.

A Hub for Connection 

SDCP has long been a cornerstone of support in South Denbighshire. Its mission is to reduce isolation, provide practical help, and create opportunities for people to connect. The FareShare partnership strengthens this mission by ensuring a reliable flow of surplus food, which underpins the centres’ services and expands their role as trusted community hubs. 

Through our Network Partner FareShare Merseyside, Canolfan Ni Community Hub receives high-quality surplus food for its Community Fridge, which operates on a help-yourself basis. This flexible, non-judgemental model ensures that everyone can access nutritious food, regardless of circumstance. Beyond providing essentials, the Fridge has become a social space where people meet, share stories, and feel part of a wider community—especially important in rural areas where social opportunities are limited. 

Services for Everyone 

During our visit to Canolfan Ni, it was clear that food provision sits at the heart of a wide range of activities designed to build community: 

• Community Fridge: Surplus food, from fresh produce to bakery items, freely available to all. 

• “Cawl a Chân” (Soup and Song): Shared meals accompanied by music and sing-alongs. 

• Social Groups: Quizzes, bingo, and other gatherings to foster friendships. 

• Community Transport – “Bws Ni”: Ensuring residents from remote villages can attend the centre. 

• Additional Services: Shopping trips, Citizens Advice drop-ins, parent & toddler groups, mental health support, craft sessions, and Lunch Clubs. 

Together with its sister hub in Llangollen, Canolfan Ni ensures these services reach across South Denbighshire, connecting people who might otherwise be isolated. 

A Day of Connection and Collaboration 

During the visit, volunteers at Canolfan Ni were busily sorting a fresh FareShare delivery, arranging fruit, vegetables, and other essentials in the Community Fridge. Community members came through the doors not only to collect food, but to stay, share a cup of tea, and chat with staff and neighbours. 

One service user reflected on what the centre means for her and her husband: 

“My husband Trebor and I come here on Tuesdays. We really look forward to meeting different people. We have lunch, which is really worth it, and then a quiz or bingo. I really enjoy being with the community. Because we live in the countryside we don’t get to see many people — everyone is so busy. But here I have fun, meet different people, and see everyone enjoying themselves.” 

This testimony captures the essence of Canolfan Ni: a place where practical support is delivered with dignity, and where friendship and belonging grow naturally. 

The Impact of FareShare 

The partnership with FareShare Merseyside is transformational. It: 

• Provides the foundation for the Community Fridge and shared meals. 

• Supports group activities and Lunch Clubs. 

• Reduces food waste by putting surplus to good use. 

• Gives SDCP confidence to plan and expand services. 

The environmental benefit of reducing waste is matched by the social benefit of strengthening community life. 

Tackling Isolation in a Rural Region 

South Denbighshire is predominantly rural, with many residents living in isolated homes or small villages. Limited transport and fewer opportunities for connection make loneliness a persistent challenge, particularly among older people. Canolfan Ni addresses this by offering safe, welcoming spaces, hosting inclusive activities, providing transport, and combining practical support with social opportunities. 

Through its centres in Corwen and Llangollen, SDCP transforms surplus food into shared meals, laughter, and community connection. By fostering dignity, choice, and belonging, it strengthens resilience across the region. FareShare Cymru is proud to support this work, celebrating Canolfan Ni as a shining example of how food, friendship, and community spirit create lasting change. 

The post Canolfan Ni: A Rural Hub for Food, Friendship, and Belonging  appeared first on FareShare Cymru.

Introducing Zero-Waste Food Dispensers

Thanks to FareShare Cymru, The Hive now has innovative zero-waste food dispensers, allowing Pantry users to access dry goods in reusable containers. To help residents get comfortable with the system, the centre currently provides free pasta, encouraging sustainable habits and reducing packaging waste. FareShare Cymru not only supplied the dispensers but continues to fill them with surplus food, ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply for the community.

Supporting a Thriving Pantry

The Hive Pantry currently serves over 100 people, with numbers growing each week. Using a colour-coded system, members pay £5 a week to select 2 red items and 5 blue items every Tuesday. FareShare Cymru’s regular deliveries of surplus food underpin this system, helping the Pantry consistently provide high-quality, nutritious items to everyone who visits.

Beyond Food: Building Community

The Hive is more than a Pantry. It’s a vibrant hub for social activity and support, offering:

• Community Coffee Mornings with free tea, coffee, and cake
• Financial advice drop-ins via Riverside Advice
• Clubs and activities, including boxing, Diamond Art Club, Crafty Chats, Busy Bees Stay & Play, and Breastfeeding Peer Support
• Community-growing initiatives, such as onsite produce and a newly planted patio orchard
• Events for all ages, including choirs and family sessions during term time

A Sustainable Partnership

By combining food provision with zero-waste initiatives, FareShare Cymru helps The Hive reduce environmental impact while strengthening community bonds. Residents learn to use reusable containers, access nutritious food, and engage in a range of social and support activities—all supported by a reliable flow of surplus food.

Through this partnership, FareShare Cymru is proud to see Hope at The Hive thrive as a sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant community hub, showing how environmental responsibility and social support can go hand-in-hand to create lasting impact in St Mellons.

The post Hope at The Hive: Reducing Waste and Strengthening Community in St Mellons appeared first on FareShare Cymru.

Founded in 2016, The Felix Project works with supermarkets, wholesalers, and restaurants to redirect surplus food to charities, schools, and community groups across London. With four depots across the city and Felix’s Kitchen – which produces around 5,000 meals daily from surplus food – The Felix Project currently supports more than 1,200 organisations.

By joining forces, FareShare UK and The Felix Project are building a single organisation with greater reach, resilience, and community impact. Together, they already help over a million people each year through thousands of local charities, schools, and groups. This merger combines the strength of FareShare’s UK-wide network with The Felix Project’s innovation and energy, creating more opportunities to share resources and support communities right across the country.

The new organisation will be able to reduce duplication, streamline operations, and make every pound and every meal go further. Most importantly, it will help more communities connect with the surplus food available and use it to strengthen local projects, from community kitchens to after-school clubs.

This step is not a reset but a continuation of the work that both charities have been doing for years. What works today will continue – the community partnerships, local delivery models, and strong networks – while the merger creates space to grow and expand what’s possible together.

The merger will take place gradually over the next 12–18 months. During this period, both organisations will continue to operate under their existing names, working closely to bring their networks together.

What this means for FareShare Cymru

Here in Wales, FareShare Cymru remains an independent charity.

Our day-to-day work continues as usual:

• Delivering surplus food to community groups.
• Supporting local organisations.
• Helping reduce food waste and strengthen communities across Wales.

The services, deliveries, and support you receive from FareShare Cymru will remain unchanged.

We will continue to keep you updated as further details of the merger are announced.

Our message of support

At FareShare Cymru, we welcome this exciting development and extend our full support to our colleagues at FareShare UK and The Felix Project as they begin this journey together.

We believe this merger will bring new opportunities to unlock more surplus food, build stronger partnerships, and amplify the voice of the FareShare network at a UK level. Most importantly, it means that even more community groups, schools, and local projects will be able to access the food they need to connect people, bring them together, and make a difference.

Q&A:

FareShare UK have provided the below Q&A to explain more about the merger. For further details, please visit their website or follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, or X/Twitter.

Why are FareShare and The Felix Project merging?

FareShare and The Felix Project are merging, uniting two leading forces in surplus food redistribution to tackle food waste across the UK. Together, we’re creating a bigger, bolder charity with one clear mission: to rescue more good food and get it to the people and places that need it most—such as families, children, and older people—strengthening communities through food.

Who is The Felix Project?

The Felix Project was started in 2016 by Justin and Jane Byam Shaw in memory of their son Felix. It has four depots in North, South, East and West London, which currently support around 1,200 community organisations and also operates Felix’s Kitchen, which uses surplus food to cook around 5,000 nutritious meals every day. It has been working with FareShare as its London delivery partner since 2020.

What’s the timeline for the merger?

The merger is a 12-18 month transition starting mid-2025, with both charities beginning integration then and the new unified organisation expected to be fully established during 2026.

What will this mean for FareShare’s network of over 8,000 charities?

In short, it will mean more food getting to people who need it. The charities we support are essential to FareShare and The Felix Project’s mission to get good food to people who need it, instead of letting it go to waste. By joining forces, we will be able to pool resources, create more collaborative and efficient ways of working, and provide the food industry with a unified approach to tackling food waste across the UK.

How will this impact the 18 network partners?

We’re still working through the details, but the network will remain at the heart of our work. The merger aims to strengthen partners, enabling them to deliver more food and achieve greater local impact, without altering the independence that makes them effective.

Who will be leading the new charity?

Kris Gibbon-Walsh, CEO at FareShare, will be stepping into the role of Deputy CEO. Kris has been at FareShare for over 11 years, and his expertise and relationship with the network will enable him to focus on the logistics of successfully merging the charities, supporting its growth, and connecting the network under the new identity.

Charlotte Hill, CEO of The Felix Project, will take on the role of CEO at the new charity. Charlotte has been a CEO for over 15 years, including UK-wide charities, and has led The Felix Project for the past three years. During this time, Charlotte has played an integral role in FareShare and The Felix Project’s Where’s The Food campaign, which succeeded in securing a £15 million fund from DEFRA to rescue more surplus food from farms. Charlotte will continue to be in a public-facing role and will be pivotal in building partnerships and championing the new charity’s advocacy and policy work.

Dominic Blakemore, Chair of FareShare’s board of trustees, will become Chair of the new charity, and Gavin Darby will become Deputy Chair.

What will the new charity be called?

The new charity will lead with the Felix name and will keep the signature and colour. Both charities will work together on a complete brand refresh to be launched in 2026. One of the things we have jointly recognised is the strength of the personal and moving story behind The Felix Project and the power it has to motivate support across the board. Alongside this, FareShare’s 30-year legacy of influencing the UK food industry to tackle food waste will form an integral part of the refreshed brand identity. In the meantime, both charities will continue to use their name throughout the transition period.

Will FareShare continue to campaign the Government to take action on food waste?

Absolutely! In fact, this merger will also give us a stronger voice when it comes to campaigning and influencing national policy on food waste. FareShare and The Felix Project have long collaborated on campaigning and policy, with our award-winning joint campaign Where’s The Food, which resulted in a national £15m fund to tackle food surplus on farms. Both charities have a shared commitment to advocating for Government intervention to tackle food waste.

How will my donations/fundraising be affected?

The new charity will continue to operate nationally, providing food to over 8,000 charities and supporting a million people across the UK. Your donation will still help get good-to-eat food that can’t be sold to people who need it. As a bigger, stronger organisation, we also expect to unlock more food, funding, and influence, which means your donation will go even further in supporting communities across the UK.

How can I stay updated on the latest news?

You can sign up to the FareShare UK newsletter, or follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, or X/Twitter.

The post FareShare UK and The Felix Project Announce Merger appeared first on FareShare Cymru.

In November 2024, Sirhowy Community Centre became one of FareShare Cymru’s community food members to receive a Pop-Up Kitchen. This simple but powerful resource has already helped the centre expand the range of meals and activities they can offer, supporting families, volunteers and older residents alike, and strengthening connections across the whole community.

The centre has long been a welcoming space for families in Sirhowy, particularly during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. With a dedicated team of volunteers and improved facilities, they are now looking to reach more older residents too, offering not just meals but companionship, conversation and a sense of belonging.

A Hub for the Whole Community

Sirhowy Community Centre runs a lively programme of activities and support throughout the week:

• Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings (10am–12pm): FoodShare sessions, offering a friendly space to pick up food and essentials.
• Tuesday and Thursday afternoons: Holiday clubs, with creative activities and a freshly prepared hot meal for free or a small donation.
• Thursday evenings (6.30pm–8pm): Art classes that provide a relaxed and social outlet for all ages.
• Ongoing donation collection: Food, clothing and household essentials are gathered and shared within the community, helping to support families and foster a spirit of generosity.

Looking ahead, the centre also plans to provide households with free slow cookers, giving families and individuals the tools to prepare affordable, nutritious meals at home.

A Summer Session to Remember

We were lucky enough to join one of the centre’s Tuesday and Thursday holiday sessions this summer and were welcomed into a space buzzing with creativity and laughter. Children spent the afternoon making Labubu-themed keyrings and notebooks before enjoying a freshly prepared lunch of spaghetti bolognese or a veggie pasta option, all provided for free or a small donation.

The day ended with a surprise visit from Labubu, who led a lively disco that filled the centre with excitement and joy. It was a powerful reminder of how food, creativity and community spirit can create lasting memories.

How the Pop-Up Kitchen is Making a Difference

For Ellen, one of the centre’s organisers, receiving the Pop-Up Kitchen was a game changer.

“We were very excited at what we could do now, lots more and different things!”

Compact, portable and easy to use, the kitchen has become a vital part of the centre’s activities. It allows the team to prepare sit-down meals for 24 people indoors, or serve over 100 at outdoor gatherings.

“It’s really easy, and we pop it back at the back for storage and use it a bit at a time,” Ellen explained.

The Pop-Up Kitchen has allowed the centre to grow beyond holiday sessions, creating a welcoming space where parents, carers, children, volunteers and older residents can come together over food, learning and conversation.

Connecting People and Tackling Isolation

Ellen and her team are determined to build on this success.

“Going forward, I want to engage more with the older generations and start a lunch club,” she said.

Plans for a lunch club, slow cooker giveaways and more outdoor fun days will help ensure the centre continues to support all generations, particularly older residents who may be at risk of loneliness.

Community Engagement, Volunteers and Food Resources

Ellen has noticed a positive shift in the way the community engages with the centre. The holiday clubs, FoodShare sessions, and other activities are helping to bring families together, and as a result, the demand for volunteers has increased.

The combination of rising community engagement and thoughtful use of resources highlights the centre’s growing importance in the local area.

Looking Ahead

The Pop-Up Kitchen has already proven its worth, helping Sirhowy Community Centre bring people together through shared meals and joyful events. With new initiatives like free slow cookers and dedicated lunch clubs on the horizon, the centre is becoming an even stronger hub for connection and wellbeing.

Final Thoughts

Sirhowy Community Centre demonstrates how thoughtful investment in simple resources can spark lasting change. By pairing affordable meals with opportunities to connect, learn and share, they are strengthening community bonds and improving wellbeing for everyone in Sirhowy.

FareShare Cymru is proud to support their efforts to bring people together, strengthen community connections, and celebrate the power of local spirit and shared experiences.

The post Sirhowy Community Centre: A Place for Food, Fun and Friendship appeared first on FareShare Cymru.