Earlier today, local MP, Gerald Jones, visited Georgetown Boys and Girls Club for Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association’s “Fruity Friday”.
Fruity Friday is a not-for-profit community project that operates as a food co-op, whereby food is bought directly from the supplier, providing low cost fresh fruit and veg to the community.
It was started in 2011 following residents’ concerns at the availability of fresh produce. The food co-op continues to operate and is open to everyone.
In addition to the fruit and veg bags which serve around two dozen customers a week, Christmas hampers are also offered with over 60 hampers being sold last Christmas.
Nicola Garbett, Tenant and Community Development Officer at Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association said:
“We were really pleased to show Gerald how our Fruity Friday project operates. Since starting the project, it’s become increasingly successful and our Christmas hampers have been particularly popular as people take the opportunity to avoid the busyness of the shops. We sold a record number last year and we hope to build on that again this Christmas.”
Gerald Jones MP said:
“I’m keen to support co-op initiatives in our community. It’s encouraged to see the increasing success of Fruity Friday which offers good quality products at low prices, which helps residents financially and promotes healthy eating.”
Fruity Fridays offers a fruit, veg, salad or stir fry bag for £3, stew packs for £2 and a dozen large free range eggs for just £2. Orders should be made to 01685 352800 or 07867 359427 before 3pm on Wednesday. They can then be collected between 10:15am and 11:15am from Georgetown Boys and Girls Club or between 1pm and 4:30pm from Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association’s reception. Christmas hampers are £15 and can be ordered by calling 352835 and must be paid for by 14th December, with weekly payments available.