A local food surplus group is planning to expand

A Newtown community group that redistributes surplus food is exploring plans to move into a larger premises in the town centre.

Newtown Food Surplus (NFS) is looking at a unit at Bear Lanes, a move it says would allow it to expand its work supporting households across the town and wider Powys area.

The volunteer-led organisation currently supports around 200 households each week through its food share events. It also runs pop-up sessions, works with schools and breakfast clubs, and supplies surplus food to partner organisations.

Figures released by the group show it prevented 63.5 tonnes of food from going to waste last year, and expects to exceed that total this year.

The proposed new site would provide more space for receiving, sorting and storing food, with plans to increase capacity and improve how the service operates. It would also allow the group to expand its emergency food provision alongside its existing surplus distribution.

Vicky Rowe, founder and director of Newtown Food Surplus, said: “We’re really excited about the potential of this space. It would allow us to grow what we do in a way that benefits the whole community, not just in terms of access to food, but also education, partnerships and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment in the town centre.”

The Bear Lanes unit, a former retail space, is being considered as a central and accessible location. Proposals include improved storage facilities, expanded food distribution, and closer working with local organisations, schools and the college.

Montgomeryshire MP Steve Witherden has visited the site and backed the plans to bring the project into the town centre.

While discussions are ongoing, the group says it hopes the move will go ahead.

Vicky added: “This is a really positive step for Newtown. We’re proud of what’s been built so far with the support of volunteers, partners and the community, and we’re hopeful this next stage will allow us to do even more.”