A charity supporting people with autism and learning disabilities has opened a new shop selling fresh fruit and vegetables. 

Able, based in Cwmbran, offers a range of day services, including a gardening project. The team behind it has now opened a new SustainABLE Shop to sell their produce to the local community, thanks to a £10,000 Community Food Scheme grant. 

Director Shaun O’Dwyer said: “The grant has enabled us to set up our SustainABLE fruit and veg shop and increase our ability to grow on our site in Upper Cwmbran.

“Not only will it allow the community to access fresh affordable produce, it has also allowed us to create a microenterprise for the people we support. Our ambition is to create genuine opportunities like this for our clients at Able.” 

Earlier this year, Torfaen Council awarded six Community Food Scheme grants to third sector organisations as part of the Food4Growth initiative, which also gave grants to three rural businesses to help them diversify their produce. 

Another 10 grants of up to £15,000 are now available for community groups, charities or public sector services to fund new project ideas aimed at tackling food poverty within Torfaen.

Tracey Marsh, Torfaen Council’s Food Projects Development Officer, said: “We are particularly interested in hearing about projects that link to local welfare services, encourage local growing or bring a fresh element to the existing projects or services.

“For example, the SustainABLE food shop not only supports the development of people’s skills, it also connects people of all ages and provides local residents with access to nutritional and affordable food.”

Applications must be submitted by noon on Friday 8 July and all projects must be completed by the end of May next year.

For more information and an application pack please contact:

Tracey Marsh, Food Projects Development Officer on 07903 337507 or email tracey.marsh@torfaen.gov.uk

Nikki Williams, Rural Development Manager on 01495 742147 or email nikki.williams@torfen.gov.uk

The SustainABLE Shop is based at the Nant Bran Centre, Upper Cwmbran, and is open Monday to Fridays, between 10am and 12pm and 1pm and 2.30pm. Cash, card and Healthy Start vouchers are accepted.