A wholesaler has launched a new scheme to bring together Welsh farmers and growers with classrooms, sporting academies and kitchens.
Welsh independent foodservice wholesaler Castell Howell Foods has launched a brand new initiative, Growing Healthy Futures, to closer connect farms and kitchens to encourage uptake of domestically grown food and the importance of healthier diets.
Castell Howell, which supplies ingredients for approximately 850,000 schools and tertiary colleges meals per week, is working with Welsh Government, local authority and college caterers, Food Sense Wales, Mentera and Cardiff Metropolitan University to restructure its education sector supply chains to deliver sustainable diets and build a resilient, secure and sustainable supply base.
“We are very conscious of the human health concerns in Wales, also the challenges that face our supply chains, including commercial pressures, consumer choice, environmental concerns and political decisions,” said Matt Lewis, Castell Howell Managing Director.
“We’re so pleased to work with Bridgend College, local authorities and partners to evolve this project and help deliver solutions.”
The Growing Healthy Futures initiative builds upon the highly successful collaborative Welsh Veg in Schools project which launched in 2022, growing and supplying one tonne of organic vegetables to Cardiff schools. By 2025, this had increased to more than 25 tonnes delivered to schools across 10 local authorities. Working with a cohort of farmers and growers, the ambition is to develop this further by investing in production and infrastructure and promoting its benefits.
To help raise the profile of the initiative, former Scarlets and Wales rugby player Steff Evans will lead engagement, emphasising the importance of good nutrition and healthy lifestyles. Plans are underway to evolve the programme to include primary schools and local authority catering across Wales, but for now, his first project is at Bridgend College and its Rugby Academy where Steff will promote the importance of growing and cooking good, nutritious food to aspiring rugby players.
Matt Rees, Chief Operating Officer, Bridgend College said: “At a time when the cost of living continues to rise, it is more important than ever that we equip our learners with the skills and knowledge to make informed, healthier choices.
“We are delighted to be working with Castell Howell on the important Growing Healthy Futures initiative, which gives our learners the opportunity to further explore the value of healthy nutrition alongside a like-minded organisation that champions sustainability and responsible working practices.”
The Growing Healthy Futures initiative currently focusses specifically on organic Welsh horticulture, but the scheme will evolve over time to cover all food groups.
Now in its 38th year of business, Castell Howell Foods has grown to become a leading independent foodservice wholesaler in the UK. With a history steeped in agriculture and a deep commitment to continuously developing a robust supply chain, the family-run company has diversified, invested, and adapted to ensure its steady strategic growth continues across generations.
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