With the National Eisteddfod set to open its gates in less than three weeks’ time, organisers are working with Bryncynon Strategy to encourage visitors to support the food pantry when they visit the festival
Bryncynon Strategy addresses key issues in the Cynon Valley community and started working with the National Eisteddfod two years ago as part of the festival’s community outreach programme.
Working in partnership with local people and two other food pantries, they have produced a community recipe book, which will be launched at the Eisteddfod. Many of the recipes have been handed down through the generations, in true and authentic Welsh Valleys style.
As part of the relationship with Bryncynon Strategy, the Eisteddfod is encouraging visitors to support the local food pantry, by bringing supplies to the festival, held in Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd from 3-10 August.
Co-ordinator, Nina Finnigan said, “I’m so excited that we’re able to work with the Eisteddfod during the festival here in Rhondda Cynon Taf, and I’m grateful to members of the local committee for suggesting collecting supplies for the Bryncynon Strategy food pantry.
“Our pantry is an integral part of what our organisation offers, and the practical support of partners like the National Eisteddfod is exactly the type of assistance we need.
"We’ve recently had requests for essential toiletries, and cupboard essentials are always gratefully received.
“The food pantry is accessible to all without judgement and assumption and visitors to the pantry can socialise with free refreshments in safe and comfortable surroundings,” she added.
Chair of the local Executive committee in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Helen Prosser, said, “We were delighted when one of our committee members suggested that we organise a collection for the Bryncynon Strategy food pantry during the Eisteddfod.
“We’ve had the most fantastic support from communities and organisations across the whole of Rhondda Cynon Taf over the past year and a half, and we wanted to make sure that we’re able to provide practical support in return.
“We’re currently discussing how we can collect supplies for the pantry during the week and are looking at different options which we’ll be able to share later on.
"In the meantime, we just want to start telling people that we’ll be collecting supplies, so that our visitors can plan ahead when they’re preparing for their Eisteddfod visit.”
Bryncynon Strategy has an intergenerational loneliness and isolation programme, with befriending activities which have been identified by the community itself. This programme includes art classes, Welsh classes, bingo, health and well-being sessions, which include seated yoga, hatha yoga and tai chi.
The strategy’s robust food programme has been developed in association with the community and with partners. They cook and deliver a weekly hot meal to older people who are generally housebound.
This is very much a befriending exercise as volunteers phone each of the 100+ recipients the day before delivery and the volunteers who hand deliver the meals pick up any issues they may have. Those who have hot meals can also have a food bag of essential items delivered on the day.
They also have a subsidised lunch club, cookery classes and a growing project which provides the kitchen and community with freshly grown vegetables in season.
They’re also planning a subsidised breakfast club which will be especially useful as a place for young parents to meet after dropping their children at school.
The Rhondda Cynon Taf National Eisteddfod is held from 3-10 August. For details of supplies to collect, food drop-off points, tickets and information on events and activities, go to www.eisteddfod.wales.