Milestone moment as project unearths first fruit and veg box for members

PICTURED: Cae Felin not only grows crops but is being used by hospital services as part of some patients' treatment.

A project growing crops on Swansea Bay UHB land has delivered its first veg box, starting the journey towards its long-term aim to supply Morriston Hospital with produce.

Cae Felin, a community interest company based near the hospital, has started producing fruit and veg boxes through a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model.

Its eventual target is to grow fruit and vegetables for patient meals in Morriston Hospital. And while that goal may take a while to achieve, the seedling project has now met an important first milestone by unearthing its first veg box.

Cae Felin members each pay a monthly fee for weekly fruit and veg shares, containing a range of seasonal, freshly-harvested items such as potatoes, garlic, tomatoes, squash, peppers, broccoli, celeriac, herbs, nuts and fruit.

PICTURED: Consultant gastroenterologist Dr Umakant Dave, who is signed up to the Cae Felin membership scheme, with his veg box.

One of the members, Consultant gastroenterologist Dr Umakant Dave, became the first to take delivery of a veg box. It included potatoes, lettuce, broad beans, garlic, peas, herbs and flowers.

Dr Dave said: “We all know how important a healthy meal is from a physical health perspective but there is increasing evidence that healthy food improves our mood and mental health, as gut flora affects our emotions and mental health.

“From a personal point of view, my wife Rupa, who is the lead for skin cancer in Singleton Hospital, cooks most days and is very active in supporting environmental and local community issues. We cooked lovely potatoes and used veg for fresh salad, and we are trying new recipes with the rest of the ingredients.

“She has been supporting Cae Felin and has also adopted a tree in memory of her mother. It is win-win situation - we get fresh food and can support a worthy cause.”

While the veg boxes are now starting to be distributed, its popularity has already surpassed expectations.

Consultant surgeon Will Beasley is a director of Cae Felin, and plays a vital role in its development alongside project manager Simon Peacock and its volunteers – many of whom are health board staff.

Mr Beasley said: “Getting the first veg box delivered is a big step forward for the CSA and the membership scheme.

“We’ve had an encouraging amount of support for the veg boxes – so much so that we can’t take on any more subscriptions at the moment, but we expect harvests to increase, and so we do have a waiting list.

“Meanwhile we’ve still got a range of other options such as a Cae Felin membership, an opportunity to adopt a tree or our lunch club. Cae Felin also receives donations from the public, which really helps not only maintain the project but progress it too.”

The project has already been used by services within Morriston Hospital to help patients and staff.

The Brain Injury Service has taken its patients to the site as one of many holistic approaches offered as part of their recovery.

Visits to the site have also benefited health board staff in terms of mental health and wellbeing.

It has also been visited by Future Generations Commissioner Derek Walker, who labelled Cae Felin as a leading example for others to follow.

PICTURED: CSA directors Simon Peacock and Will Beasley with gardener Pixie Twist.

Mr Beasley added: “Cae Felin got up and running in August 2022, so we are two years into the project and we are making good progress.

“Of course, the weather can have such a big effect on a number of issues, but we are solidly laying down the foundations to ensure the CSA continues to grow.

“There are stumbling blocks but we’re confident a project such as this, which delivers so many benefits in terms of nutrition and wellbeing, can keep progressing with the incredible support of the volunteers who give up their time to ensure everything on the site is maintained.”

Cae Felin holds open volunteer days every Saturday between 10am-2pm, and often during the week.

Email info@caefelincsa.co.uk or phone 07388 822273 for more information about the open volunteer days, membership opportunities or to arrange a visit.