🌟 “Pay As You Can” Shop Fights Hunger at Bryn Celyn Primary 🌟
A primary school in Cardiff is taking a bold step to tackle food insecurity and teach valuable lessons on sustainability and money management. Bryn Celyn Primary School has introduced a ‘pay as you can’ food shop that lets families purchase groceries at prices they choose.
In Pentwyn, an area where many families face economic challenges, Headteacher Liz Berry is making a difference. She knows that despite the provision of free school meals, some children and parents still experience hunger. The initiative goes beyond just food access; it’s about educating children on sustainability, food origins, and financial literacy.
💡 What’s Inside? 💡
The shop operates out of a revamped industrial container, fully equipped with a fridge and freezer. It offers fresh and frozen produce, tinned goods, and essential household items. Families can select any five items for a suggested £5—or pay what they can. Generous donations come from local stores, ensuring a variety of products are always available.
🛒 Community in Action 🛒
School staff and volunteers, like parent Lynette Whitfield, are the backbone of this thriving initiative. “The cost of living is a challenge for everyone right now,” Lynette explains. The shop caters to everyone, ensuring affordability amidst rising food prices.
👩🏫 Learning Through Doing 👨🌾
The initiative is also an interactive classroom. Children grow tomatoes, cucumbers, and berries for the shop, learning about agriculture and retail firsthand. “It’s brought a real buzz to our school,” says Mrs. Berry. “We’re not just feeding families; we’re embedding essential life skills and sustainability.”
This initiative is part of the wider Big Bocs Bwyd scheme, aiming to expand across Wales. Spearheaded by Janet Hayward, the project envisions 100 more school-based shops over three years.
In a world where food and budget concerns dominate, Bryn Celyn is proving that solutions can be smart, sustainable, and deeply educational. 🍎📚