Carmarthenshire healthy eating scheme a success
A major scheme to promote healthy eating to Carmarthenshire families is going from strength to strength.
Fresh fruit and vegetables are being delivered every week to families all over the Pencader area.
Residents of all ages are ordering produce, which is having a direct impact on eating habits in the village.
The Pencader Family Centre food co-op delivery service has been such a success that a larger van has been leased to cope with the demand.
Organisers say they are delighted by the response from the community and they hope to expand in the future.
The service was first launched in a bid to address obesity and improve the diets of people in Pencader.
It is a large rural village, and many residents, including the elderly, were finding it difficult to access transport and shops.
Centre co-ordinator Trevor Winn sourced a local supplier of fruit and vegetables and began to collect the produce in his car every week.
There was a huge response from the community and orders increased week on week.
However the scheme faced closure when the need arose for a new vehicle to deliver the produce.
With the help of Carmarthenshire County Council and a £11,676 grant from the Access to Service through Innovation project, a new van has been leased and the service is now thriving.
The grant programme receives funding from the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013, which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
Orders are taken from the community and packaged into food boxes, and customers voluntarily contribute to the fuel costs.
Council Community Regeneration Manager John Wilson said: "A real difference is being made to the eating habits of the local community, directing people away from a poor diet towards a well balanced one.
"The feedback from the community has been phenomenal and they long want to see the service continue."
Council officers have just visited the project, to congratulate organisers on its success.
Chief Executive Mark James said: "The council is driving many initiatives to improve the health of the population and is committed to supporting local organisations like the Pencader Family Centre.
"Poor eating habits have a direct impact on health and I am delighted that we have been able to help with such a valuable service for this community."
The Pencader Family Centre was set up in 2002, with a bus visiting the town to encourage play between parents and children.
After securing Lottery funding a new centre was established in 2004, to provide a fun environment for children.
The Centre is a charitable organisation that relies on fundraising and grants for survival.
Regeneration Executive Board Member Cllr Clive Scourfield said: “The Family Centre is to be commended for encouraging people to follow a healthy balanced diet, and the benefits will be far reaching."
Fioled Jones from Pencader, Community Regeneration Manager John Wilson, Vicky Thomas from Pencader, Community Development Officer Emyr John, Council Chief Executive Mark James, Centre co-ordinator Trevor Winn, Community Regeneration Officer Sally Doughton, Christine Harrison from Pencader, and RDP development officer Craig Thomas.
Centre co-ordinator Trevor Winn and Council Chief Executive Mark James.
Fresh fruit and vegetables are being delivered every week to families all over the Pencader area.
Residents of all ages are ordering produce, which is having a direct impact on eating habits in the village.
The Pencader Family Centre food co-op delivery service has been such a success that a larger van has been leased to cope with the demand.
Organisers say they are delighted by the response from the community and they hope to expand in the future.
The service was first launched in a bid to address obesity and improve the diets of people in Pencader.
It is a large rural village, and many residents, including the elderly, were finding it difficult to access transport and shops.
Centre co-ordinator Trevor Winn sourced a local supplier of fruit and vegetables and began to collect the produce in his car every week.
There was a huge response from the community and orders increased week on week.
However the scheme faced closure when the need arose for a new vehicle to deliver the produce.
With the help of Carmarthenshire County Council and a £11,676 grant from the Access to Service through Innovation project, a new van has been leased and the service is now thriving.
The grant programme receives funding from the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013, which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
Orders are taken from the community and packaged into food boxes, and customers voluntarily contribute to the fuel costs.
Council Community Regeneration Manager John Wilson said: "A real difference is being made to the eating habits of the local community, directing people away from a poor diet towards a well balanced one.
"The feedback from the community has been phenomenal and they long want to see the service continue."
Council officers have just visited the project, to congratulate organisers on its success.
Chief Executive Mark James said: "The council is driving many initiatives to improve the health of the population and is committed to supporting local organisations like the Pencader Family Centre.
"Poor eating habits have a direct impact on health and I am delighted that we have been able to help with such a valuable service for this community."
The Pencader Family Centre was set up in 2002, with a bus visiting the town to encourage play between parents and children.
After securing Lottery funding a new centre was established in 2004, to provide a fun environment for children.
The Centre is a charitable organisation that relies on fundraising and grants for survival.
Regeneration Executive Board Member Cllr Clive Scourfield said: “The Family Centre is to be commended for encouraging people to follow a healthy balanced diet, and the benefits will be far reaching."
Fioled Jones from Pencader, Community Regeneration Manager John Wilson, Vicky Thomas from Pencader, Community Development Officer Emyr John, Council Chief Executive Mark James, Centre co-ordinator Trevor Winn, Community Regeneration Officer Sally Doughton, Christine Harrison from Pencader, and RDP development officer Craig Thomas.
Centre co-ordinator Trevor Winn and Council Chief Executive Mark James.
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