A new partnership between Powys County Council and Castell Howell, Wales' leading independent food service wholesaler, will see more Welsh produce used in school meals across the county, including Newtown.

The partnership aims to provide healthy and nutritious meals to Powys learners while supporting local Welsh suppliers.

Castell Howell will now be the main supplier of fresh and frozen foods for the council's Catering Team, ensuring that school menus are filled with seasonal produce grown in Wales.

Cllr Jake Berriman, Cabinet Member for a Connected Powys, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, "I'm delighted that the council will be working with Castell Howell to continue to provide healthy, nutritionally balanced meals in schools across the county. Our new partnership will help us use more Welsh produce and support local suppliers in Powys."

Matt Lewis, Managing Director at Castell Howell, highlighted the importance of evolving Welsh supply chains, stating, "Our aim is to work towards a three-year plan with Powys County Council where a higher quantity of Welsh produce features in the school plate. We have already begun developing relationships with local growers in the county to ensure that more Welsh produce is incorporated into school meals."

With over 1,000 schools already being supplied by Castell Howell, the partnership with Powys County Council is expected to have a significant impact on the availability of Welsh produce in school meals.

The initiative is part of Castell Howell's ongoing commitment to supporting local communities and promoting the use of Welsh ingredients in schools across the county.