Welsh wholesaler Castell Howell Foods has launched an initiative to connect farms and kitchens to encourage uptake of domestically grown food and the importance of healthier diets.
Growing Healthy Futures sees the foodservice supplier working with the Welsh Government, local authority and college caterers, Food Sense Wales, Mentera and Cardiff Metropolitan University to restructure its education sector supply chains to deliver sustainable diets and build a resilient, secure and sustainable supply base.
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The Growing Healthy Futures initiative builds upon the collaborative Welsh Veg in Schools project which launched in 2022, growing and supplying one tonne of organic vegetables to Cardiff schools. By 2025, this had increased to more than 25 tonnes delivered to schools across 10 local authorities. Working with a cohort of farmers and growers, the ambition is to develop this further by investing in production and infrastructure and promoting its benefits.
“We are very conscious of the human health concerns in Wales, also the challenges that face our supply chains, including commercial pressures, consumer choice, environmental concerns and political decisions,” said Matt Lewis, Castell Howell managing director. “We’re so pleased to work with Bridgend College, local authorities and partners to evolve this project and help deliver solutions.”
Matt Rees, chief operating officer, Bridgend College said: “At a time when the cost of living continues to rise, it is more important than ever that we equip our learners with the skills and knowledge to make informed, healthier choices.”
