MORE than £500,000 is to be invested into Vale of Glamorgan schools and community groups this year due to a unique business.

The Big Fresh Catering Company, which operates as a local authority trading company, provides food services for schools, business, and events, sourcing fresh ingredients from local growers when possible.

Profits generated from their corporate and private business is invested into the schools they work with, which are listed here.

Recently, a new café opened at the Penarth Pier Pavilion; the venture has a no single-use plastic policy, supporting the Council’s Project Zero initiative, which aims to address the issue of climate change.

None of the company directors are salaried and the Council, the only shareholder, has not drawn any money from the company –all profits are either given to local schools or reinvested back into the business.

The money can be used by schools to improve meal provision and complement learning and teaching; some will also be invested in communities and used to buy items to promote healthy lifestyles, such as football kits.

Managing Director of the Big Fresh Catering Company, Carole Tyley, said: “I’m thrilled that this year more than £500,000 will be invested into schools, community groups and go towards supporting commercial operations.

“Money will reach schools in a variety of ways, through a direct grant, a shared fund to provide out-of-school support programmes and through investment into new ingredients, menu items and technologies to reflect the needs and requests of our Big Fresh customers and schools.”

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Vale of Glamorgan Council cabinet member for education and regeneration, Cllr Lis Burnett, added: “This is a ground-breaking scheme.

“A challenging financial climate calls for innovation as we look to reshape the way in which services are delivered. This is a perfect example of how a creative approach can improve the outcomes we’re committed to, boost efficiency and significantly improve how we operate.

“Every customer that visits the Big Fresh Café, orders a grazing platter online or buys school dinners is investing directly in schools.”

Find out more at www.bigfreshcatering.co.uk or find them on Facebook.