RESIDENTS in the Aberporth area are being invited to make ‘Good Food Friends’ and support their local economy at a special open day onOctober 1.

The Welsh network of Community Food Co-operatives is bringing friends and neighbours together to learn more about their local food co-op at a community open day at Aberporth Memorial Hall, 9.30am to 11.30am.

Community Food Co-operatives provide shoppers with locally sourced produce at an affordable price, while making sure money spent is supporting suppliers in the local area.

More than 300 Co-operatives across Wales offer mixed bags of seasonal fruit and vegetables for sale every week at a cost of between £3 and £4, at venues including schools, community centres, church halls, workplaces and other venues.

Members of the Aberporth Food Co-op will be showcasing locally sourced produce from the harvest season along with tasty recipe ideas at the Memorial Hall, which also serves as a regular Co-op venue, and members of the public are invited to join in.

Debbie Neale, General Manager of the Rural Regeneration Unit (RRU), said: “Food Co-operatives are a great way to benefit the local community, both financially and socially.

“Buying fresh produce from your local co-op could not only save you money, but also help your friends and family eat more healthily and bring them together with like-minded members of the community too.”

Debbie added: “Food purchased at your local co-op also ensures any money is spent is with local suppliers and involves less packaging and fewer food miles too.”

For more information visit www.foodcoopswales.org.uk or www.ruralregeneration.org.uk.