Chris Elmore, MP for Ogmore, is raising awareness of local community pantries in Ogmore as the cost of living crisis pushes family budgets to the limit.

Community pantries have been set up in towns and villages across Ogmore with the purpose of providing nutritious and affordable food to people in the community for a small fee, whilst tackling the issue of food waste.  Based in community centres, many also offer a range of support services for local residents.

The project is funded by the Welsh Government Rural Communities-Rural Development Programme.  The support of national charity FareShare Cymru also helps make the work of the community pantries possible.  In a mission to reduce food waste, along with local shops and supermarkets, they supply food to the pantries that would usually be wasted and end in landfill.

There are now 9 community pantries in Ogmore: Aberkenfig, Bettws, Blaengarw, Bryncethin, Cefn Cribwr, Lewistown, Maesteg, Nantymoel and Pencoed.  For more information about the community pantries, call 07544 026265.

Chris Elmore, MP for Ogmore, said:

“Times are really tough for a growing number of families in Ogmore, and I know many are concerned about how to make ends meet.  Whilst the UK Tory Government continues to strip away support for those struggling, the Welsh Labour Government is stepping up it’s support  through the funding of community pantries.

This fantastic community project acts as  a lifeline for so many, and is often the difference between someone having to choose between putting food on the table and heating their home.  It’s also a really important initiative that raises awareness of and combats food waste, for which we also have FairShare Cymru to thank for their efforts in supporting the project.

I would encourage anyone in Ogmore who is struggling to meet all their monthly costs to check out their local Community Pantry, where for a small fee a bag of fresh and nutritious food can be purchased from a friendly volunteer.  I look forward to visiting a local branch in Ogmore very soon to see first-hand the great work being carried out!”