Recently, we visited one of our charity partners, Emmaus South Wales, to gain a better understanding of their local impact and how they utilise the food provided by FareShare Cymru to support those that need it. Emmaus supports people experiencing homelessness by providing a roof over their heads and welcoming them into a community from which they can lean on and contribute to, as they rebuild their lives.  

The Community House, Nant Lais in Bridgend, is designed to be supportive and communal. Each companion has their own private room with an ensuite, whilst the kitchen and social areas are shared. As well as this, companions work full-time in one of Emmaus’s social enterprises including their charity shops, electrical appliance testing, and house clearances, all of which help them to build their confidence, develop new skills, and generate funds for the charity. 

Emmaus South Wales’ newest social enterprise is their superstore, Trysor Cudd in Bridgend, set to bring numerous benefits to the community. The hub will offer meeting spaces for local organisations, support for people who have experienced homelessness, and will help raise awareness about homelessness and generate essential funds needed to support their mission. When speaking to Claire, the Accommodation and Support Manager at Emmaus South Wales, she explained that the hub will serve as a “vibrant and inclusive space that benefits both Emmaus South Wales and the wider community, helping to create a positive impact and support those in need.”

When asked why Emmaus South Wales is so important in the local community, Claire stated “Emmaus South Wales plays a vital role in supporting the Bridgend community by providing stability, meaningful work, community support, access to affordable essentials, and promoting overall well-being. Our services are indispensable, especially during the current cost of living crisis.”

The role of food in Nant Lais

At Nant Lais, companions get involved in the kitchen to prepare meals for each other so that every day they can come home to a hot meal. Within the house, this helps to foster a sense of community and mutual support amongst the companions. Claire explained, “This daily tradition ensures that everyone has a nutritious meal and an opportunity to connect with each other.”

“The shared experience of preparing and enjoying meals together strengthens the bonds between companions. It creates a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and connected.”

As is the nature of food redistribution, Nant Lais receive a variety of foods week by week in their FareShare Cymru delivery. The companions use this variety as a challenge to come up with different dishes and try new foods. During our visit to Nant Lais, one person had used beef from that week’s FareShare Cymru delivery to make a beef goulash that would serve 16 people later that day.

In collaborating with FareShare Cymru, Claire highlighted that it “aligns with Emmaus South Wales’ commitment to sustainability and reducing waste. By utilising surplus food, we can provide for our companions while also supporting environmental goals”. Not only this but receiving surplus food from FareShare Cymru significantly reduces their food expenses at Nant Lais. This means that they can allocate more resources towards other essential services and support for companions. It’s places like Nant Lais that really showcase how surplus food can be turned into a meaningful social solution.