A GWENDRAETH Valley chip shop has been doing its bit to help struggling families.

Mel’s Chippy in Penygroes has been offering meals for £1 to customers to help them out during such a tough financial period.

The chippy has sold more than 100 of these £1 meals, which also includes some fruit and a drink. On each occasion, the main meal is different.

Sarah, who runs the business, which won the South Wales Guardian’s Best Takeaway in 2022, told the South Wales Guardian that there is a clear need for community food schemes.

She said: “We have done a couple of community food type things over the last year as there is clearly a need. We did free soup every day last October half term and have continued to run this every Wednesday lunchtime since then.

“The summer holidays are long and it is difficult for families, especially as we are in an area where a higher than average proportion are in receipt of free school meals.”

Sarah continued: “The first few days of the holidays we did six to 10 meals a day, but this soon exploded and by the end of the second week, we have dished up over 150 meals.

“As we see many kids every single day, we have tried to provide a variety of meals so they are not just eating chips every day. Apparently the chicken curry and rice is the favourite so far!”

“Since we started, the venture has gained a lot of momentum and as a small business we are also up against ever-increasing costs, but it’s a fantastic village and we have had donations and support from several other businesses in the area.”

Throughout the time Mel’s Chippy has been running this scheme, a number of customers and businesses have provided donations of money and stock to help the scheme run.

They include Penygroes Happyness Stones, Allison’s Snack Bar, Premier Y Ffarchnadd Capel Hendre, Celsius Installations and Services, Pafiliwn Penygroes, Couch to 5k Crew, Castell Howell and Andrew’s Chilled Foods of Garnant.

Sarah continued: “Also there have been local people in the village who have popped in and given me a donation.

"As a community it’s heartwarming to see people and businesses pulling together to help families when everyone is facing uncertain times themselves.

"As a local business in the village, it’s lovely to be able to support the people who support me week in, week out, and I’m very lucky to be part of such a fantastic community.”

For more information on Mel’s Chippy visit www.facebook.com/melschippy