Local groups in Narberth are joining together to reduce food waste and help local families in need.

Bloomfield House Community Centre now hosts a Pembrokeshire Foodbank collection point in its foyer, on Redstone Road in Narberth. The centre, which is operated by voluntary group NDCSA, a registered charity, has joined together with the Trussell Trust to enable the local community to drop off their food bank donations at the centre.

The Pembrokeshire Foodbank Trussell Trust manager, Theri Bailey, said: “Clients in need can be referred to us by professionals such as health and social care workers and are then issued with a food voucher for three days’ worth of emergency non-perishable food.

“The Narberth Foodbank is open at Grace Court House every Wednesday. We’re hopeful that the new food bank collection point at Bloomfield will help make it easier for local people to donate.”

During the launch of the food bank collection point NDCSA staff also trialled their Community Fridge and Larder Project.

NDCSA development officer Vicki Travers-Milne explained: “Community Fridges are a great way of stopping good food ending up in the bin by making surplus food freely available to members of the public.

“The food which is near its use by date will be provided by local people or businesses. We hope to seek funding for the project in the near future and engage volunteers from the local community to make the project a success.”

Vicki, who is also conducting a LEADER funded research project into services for older people in Narberth, stated: “Older people would benefit greatly from the scheme as for many it is often a choice between ‘eating or heating’ at certain times of year.”

Food waste is thought to cost the UK about £17bn each year. Households in the UK bin an average of 24 edible meals a month.

The food distributed at the launch was donated by Calon Wen Organic Milk Co-op and Tesco through its Fair Share scheme. Advice is also being sought from Transition Bro Gwaun, who process over 1000 kilos of surplus donated food per month through their many projects.

For more information on the food bank or the future Community Fridge Project, contact Vicki Travers-Milne at Bloomfield House Community Centre, tel: 01834 860293.