A Rhondda Cynon Taf school has launched a community food distribution project which not only teaches learners about healthy foods, but also provides a place where families can access free or reduced-price provisions.
Staff and learners at St Margaret’s Catholic Primary School in Aberdare are taking part in the Big Bocs Bwyd (BBB) Project, which helps children develop an early understanding of healthy food choices while providing affordable priced food to families in the community.
The Big Bocs Bwyd Project is supported by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, with funding from Welsh Government. Charities, such as FareShare, which aims to reduce food poverty by re-distributing quality surplus food produced by the food industry, are also part of the successful scheme.
St Margaret’s Catholic School is one of the many schools in Wales to benefit from the Big Bocs Bwyd Project, which already has the support of a major supermarket chain in Aberdare.
There are also plans to further develop the Big Bocs Bwyd project at St Margaret’s Catholic School, once COVID-19 restrictions allow, including opening a coffee shop facility and a community garden.
Councillor Joy Rosser, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Cabinet Member for Education and Inclusion Services, said: “I am delighted that St Margaret’s Catholic Primary School is supporting the Big Bocs Bwyd Project, which I’m sure will bring many benefits to the school, staff, learners and local community.
“Developing greater nutritional awareness among children is absolutely key to building confidence around how to process and cook different foods, and the learning resources on offer will help them to understand and appreciate the connections between food, nature and the economy.
“But the Big Bocs Bwyd Project is also important in offering good produce to local families for free or at affordable prices which will benefit their health and wellbeing.”
Anna Maria Bevan, Headteacher at St Margaret’s Catholic Primary School, said: “The staff and students at our school are proud to be part of the Big Bocs Project, working with our families and our community in such a positive, supportive way.
“The project seeks to reduce food waste and impact positively on sustainability, linking very closely to the development of the four purposes of the new curriculum.”
