THE Llantwit Major Food Project has won a prestigious award for its commitment to providing affordable and healthy meals to the local community.

The project, which aims to provide affordable meals to the people of Llantwit Major, has received the Ystradau Cymru Award for 2023.

The project launched in October 2020 has been running for four years.

It is a joint operation between various organisations - the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Food Vale, The Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Glamorgan Voluntary Services (GVS), Llantwit Major Town Council, Age Connects, Vale Foodbank, Fareshare Cymru, Newydd Housing Association, Hafod Housing, Citizens Advice, and several others.

The group of organisations collaborated to investigate the challenges faced by the residents of Llantwit Major in obtaining good quality food. By engaging with the locals and experts, the team was able to gather information and develop strategies to enhance the situation.

Cllr Eddie Williams, Vale of Glamorgan Council cabinet member for social care and health said: “This is a fantastic project that has made a real difference to the people of Llantwit Major and others from further afield.

“It shows what can be achieved when people come together with purpose and a real desire to make a difference.

“I’d like to thank all the organisations involved for the commitment they have given to this initiative. I know it has helped a huge number of people. This award is richly deserved and a fitting reward for such dedication.”

The project, funded by the National Lottery, was able to implement its ideas and provide access to healthy food and other support services in the community.

The CF61 Community Centre, managed by GVS, hosts the More Than Food Hub once a month. The hub provides residents with resources and support on topics such as housing, finances, health and wellbeing, employment, and childcare.

The centre operates in conjunction with the GVS FoodShare Pantry, the St Athan Clothes Bank Pop-Up, and the Chatty Café, a free café established by More in Common Llantwit Major to foster community connections.

Rachel Conor, GVS Chief Executive Officer, added: “GVS feels privileged to be a part of such a great partnership of diverse organisations, agencies and individuals all working extremely hard to support their local communities.

“I felt particularly honoured to be asked to accept the award on behalf of the project.”

The store is open every other Wednesday between 11.30 am and 1pm in the Gathering Place, Flemingston Road, St Athan, CF62 4JH.