FoodShare Pantry Scoops Well-Deserved Community Award

GVS' FoodShare Pantry volunteer team has scooped up another award, this time for Best Community Group in the Bro Radio Community Awards.  

The team were up against very stiff competition in the final round, with amazing projects Hive Guys and Social Sisters in the running but the dedication and efforts of the team shone through to take home first place on the night.

FoodShare Pantry is a core part of the community in the rural Western Vale.  A team of over 30 volunteers pull together each week, collecting surplus food from supermarkets, and food waste charity FareShare, and distributing it to the local community, via a weekly pantry in Llantwit Major and a biweekly pantry in St Athan.  The project not only helps to protect our environment by minimising food waste but also helps households to access healthy, affordable food.

At a glittering reception at Penarth Pier Pavilion on Friday night, volunteer drivers, Liz and Richard Beech accepted the award on behalf of all of the team.  Liz said, "It was a very special moment when the team of FoodShare Pantry volunteers learnt that they had received the Community Group of the Year award at Bro Radio's Community Awards. We were all thrilled to be recognised for our efforts in not only helping our local community but also ensuring that surplus food does not go to waste. We are very proud to be part of this project but it is very nice to be seen and recognised for all our hard work."

Glamorgan Voluntary Services’ (GVS) Pantry Lead, Nic, said, "We are so proud of the team, this award really is well deserved.  They all work incredibly hard and are so committed, giving up their time and energy selflessly every week.  We were thrilled that Liz and Richard were able to collect the award - we have a team of 14 drivers who don't often get to be in the limelight but, just like the rest of our volunteers, without them the pantry couldn't happen.  And we are always looking for more drivers if anyone wants to join us!"

The pantry in Llantwit Major operates from GVS’ CF61 Centre every Thursday between 12 noon and 2pm and at The Paul Lewis Community Centre in St Athan every other Wednesday from 11.30am - 1pm.  For £5, customers can choose a selection of items, including chilled, frozen, ambient, and fresh produce, as well as bakery items.  The project is run by Glamorgan Voluntary Services and works to improve access to affordable good food in rural communities, whilst helping to prevent food waste. 

Pictured below: Liz Beech with Geoff Davies from YMCA Barry who sponsored the Bro Radio Community Group Award