AN AWARD-WINNING project which launched in Barry will now roll-out in schools in the Valleys.
The Big Bocs Bwyd (BBB) Project has seen a converted shipping container become a focal point for hands-on learning about healthy food choices along with a place for low income families to stock up on free or affordable food.
The BBB project started at Oak Field Primary School - which along with Cadoxton Primary School is currently headed by Janet Hayward - and Ysgol Gymraeg Gwaun Y Nant in Barry.
Food is donated from local supermarkets and shops, with charities – such as FareShare which aims to fight hunger and tackle food waste – also involved with the scheme.
The Welsh Government is providing £100,000 to establish a further five BBB shipping containers in schools across the valleys, working in partnership with the Valleys Regional Park.
Janet Hayward, who is executive headteacher at both Cadoxton Primary School and Oak Field Primary School, said: “It is a privilege to be able to share the success of this project with these other schools and the communities they serve in such a real way.
“The idea has evolved over time for us but is now a concept that can be easily transferred into new settings.
“As well as ‘recycling’ food from supermarkets that would otherwise be thrown away, the projects supports many aspects of the Health and Wellbeing curriculum”.
Ms Hayward, who has an OBE for her services to education, will over-see the roll-out of the BBB project in the Valleys.
The schools which will benefit from the five new shipping containers, which are being rolled out based on Barry’s success, are:
• Cyfarthfa Park Primary School, Merthyr Tydfil.
• St Margaret’s RC Primary School, Aberdare.
• Cwmfelin Primary School, Maesteg.
• Garth Primary School, Maesteg.
• Ammanford Nursery School, Ammanford.
• Ysgol Bro Banw, Ammanford.
• Rhydaman Primary School, Ammanford.
Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport Lee Waters said: “The benefits of the innovative Big Bocs Bwyd Project are clear to see.
“Developing greater food literacy among children is key to building confidence around how to process and cook different foods; the learning resources will help them to understand and appreciate the connections between food, nature and the economy.
“The project is also important in offering good produce to local families for free or at affordable prices which will benefit health and wellbeing.
“The project has been very successful in Barry. I’m delighted Welsh Government funding will now see it roll-out even further into the Valleys Taskforce Area.”
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