As part of the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) framework within Major Business, we’ve a Social Value fund available for Commercial Procurement Wales customers to apply for.
This fund was set up to support new, or existing projects that will positively benefit local communities, promote, and enhance social, economic, and environmental values. The fund amount this year is £5,000 and CPW customers have had the opportunity to put forward a project which they would like funding for.
This year winner is the Willowtown Community Primary School with its “Big Bocs Bwyd” (BBB) project.
The main mission of the Willowtown Primary School is to support families and the wider Community in promoting Cultural Awareness and inspiring involvement.
The BBB is a shipping container that has been converted into a welcoming Community shop runed by school staff, young ambassadors (pupils) and volunteers (such as parents and carers). It’s a “non for Profit” Organisation and runs on a “pay as you feel” model which means that the customers only pay what they feel they can afford. With this project, the Willowtown Community Primary Schools aims to reduce food poverty, minimise food waste and create healthy and nutritious recipes that inspires family to cook and enjoy together.
Unfortunately, due to the current cost of living crisis, the BBB has seen the amount of donations and surplus food drop in recent months.
The social Value found will help the BBB going forward as a community group in:
- Building its capacity opening at least 3 days a week to meet the community needs. As of today, the BBB is open twice weekly.
- Increasing the Volunteer Bank and become more involved in sourcing, growing, restocking, customer services, etc. and introducing Partnership that can help regarding benefit entitlement, job opportunities, credits, and budgeting in an informal and relaxed environment.
- Providing education and training opportunities that will benefit their volunteers (e.g. food hygiene, Maths, English accreditation, confidence building, etc.).
- Hosting Cookery workshops for parents, carers, and the wider community to promote healthy diet and lifestyle. Thanks to the Social Value fund’s allowance, the BBB will start off its own allotment in a designed space within the Willowtown school’s garden to grow fresh fruit and vegetables.
👉 If you want to know more about the “Big Bocs Bwyd” hubs initiative 🔍
