Food surplus group asks town council to appoint liaison councillor

Newtown Food Surplus has asked Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council to appoint a councillor to act as a formal link between the two organisations.

The request is set out in a letter dated January 21 which is due to be considered by councillors at today’s meeting.

Writing on behalf of the organisation, representatives say they are seeking agreement from the council “to nominate a person to help promote linkages between the Council and ourselves."

They add: “We believe that this would help deliver the twin missions of Newtown Food Surplus – to reduce wastage of food in our community and to assist in tackling food poverty in Newtown and the surrounding area." 

The group says it has been working in Newtown since 2021 and is “currently saving more than a tonne of food each week for redistribution to individuals and families." 

It also signals plans for further development, telling councillors: “We have plans for developing further in the coming years, and we are hoping that you will be able to assist us achieving this ambition." 

Outlining the proposed role of a nominated councillor, the letter states that it “would be very helpful to have a designated councillor who would be able to maintain regular liaison with us, attending occasional board meetings as an observer, coming to some of our events, and acting as a channel of communication between our two organisations." 

The organisation has also asked for the opportunity “to make a presentation to Councillors at one of your meetings, so that we can update you all on the needs we have identified and the work we are doing to meet them now and in the future." 

Councillors are expected to discuss the request and decide how to respond when the item comes before the council.