A GROUP of ‘Good Food Friends’ in Aberporth is backing the bid to buy local after residents joined forces to support an open day at their local Community Food Co-operative.

Friends and neighbours gathered over a shared love of fresh food at a special open day held to give locals the chance to learn more about the Wales-wide food co-operative scheme.

Community Food Co-operatives provide shoppers with fresh, seasonal and affordable fruit and vegetables with all money spent going directly to local suppliers.

More than 300 Food Co-operatives across Wales hold regular meetings where mixed bags of seasonal fruit and vegetables are sold for between £3 and £4 – which research has shown can save customers in excess of £200 per year.

The volunteer-led co-ops meet at venues including schools, community centres, church halls, workplaces and other local community hubs.

Members of the local community were invited to join Aberporth Food Co-op regulars at their weekly meeting to learn more about the scheme at the open day, which was held at the co-op’s regular meeting venue, Aberporth Memorial Hall.

The event was one of a number of open days taking place at local community food co-ops across the country to promote the programme.

Volunteer Anne McCreary helps run Co-ops in the Aberporth area on a weekly basis as part of a scheme run by the Rural Regeneration Unit.

Anne McCreary said: “The Aberporth Community Food Co-op is a great way for me to keep in touch with my local community and something I was immediately keen to get involved with.

“Families trying to balance increasing demand on their household budget with the pace of modern life often struggle to find time to connect with neighbours and local traders too.”

Anne continued: “Community Food Co-operatives provide us all with the chance to buy fresh food at affordable prices, at a convenient time and place, and meet like-minded people too.

“As volunteers we are delighted with the support shown for our own Aberporth Co-operative and we look forward to meeting many more new faces in the future.”

An independent social enterprise, the RRU has helped create hundreds of community food co-ops in Wales as part of its commitment to support the regeneration of communities across the UK.

Debbie Neale, General Manager of the 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 too. With over 300 groups across Wales, your nearest food co-op is never too far away and these co-ops’ doors are always open to new members.”