Music, film and theatre
Danescourt
Ely & Caerau
Leckwith
Lisvane
Morganstown
Pentwyn
Pentyrch
Penylan
Pontcanna
Rumney & Llanrumney
Roath
Roath Park and Cyncoed
Radyr
Rhiwbina
Tongywnlais
Home > Where you live > Fairwater > Community rallies to save Fairwater food co-op
Community rallies to save Fairwater food co-op
Cathy Duncan
VOLUNTEERS in Fairwater have come together to keep the area's Food Co-op open after funding ran out.
The co-op provides people with bags full of healthy food including locally-grown fruit and vegetables at an affordable price.
It had been running for over five years with cash from the Welsh Government and support from local volunteers, but the funding was cut earlier this year.
Undeterred, the volunteers were not put off and have now taken over the service themselves.
Led by Ron Morgan, 73, the nine volunteers meet at St Peter's Church every Friday to distribute the bags of fresh food to Fairwater residents.
Mr Morgan, who has been volunteering since the project first started, said: "People come from all over Fairwater from lots of different backgrounds. It helps people get their five a day. The food is of the highest quality and is sourced from local farms. Except the Kiwi fruit, that doesn't grow round here."
Ron Morgan has volunteered for five years
Open every Friday afternoon, the co-op has become a hub of the community with residents coming in to chat as well as pick up their food for the week.
Marta Naumann, 33, is a regular customer. She said: "I have been coming here for four years because it is very affordable and I have a big family. If I have a complaint or problem there is always someone I can talk to."
The project was funded by the Welsh Government's Community Food Cooperative Programme through the Rural Regeneration Unit. It was due to stop in December 2014 but a six-month extension was announced with an additional £213,750 of funding provided until September this year. That funding is now over.
A statement from the Rural Regeneration Unit said: "We were funded by Welsh Government from 2014 to September 2015 to deliver the Community Food Co-operative Programme across Wales. That programme has now ended and we have been tasked to deliver a greatly reduced targeted sustainability project in some areas of Wales."
Despite the lack of funding the Fairwater Food Co-op has gone from strength to strength in the last two months. It now averages over 60 bags a week and offers vegetable, salad, stir fry and fruit bags for £3 and a stew bag for £2.
New youth mayor elected in the Vale of Glamorgan
Cardiff War Hero's Family Make Surprise Appearance at Remembrance Service
Work starts to improve Fairwater centre for elderly
New youth club opens in Pentrebane to target boredom
Residents concerned over rugby club parking
Residents concern over Fairwater school run parking