First Year Thoughts
Today marks the first-year anniversary of Cegin Hedyn CIC, a project I am immensely proud of, which has breathed new life into me in numerous ways. My intentions have always revolved around caring for the sources of our ingredients, ensuring fair compensation for our farmers, providing our staff with fair living wages, and creating a space where people can savour simple, honest, and nourishing food.
However, one thing I overlooked was that this way of life was not accessible to all. It pained me to hear from my community that enjoying our food was beyond their means. That was never the intention I set up The Warren, but with the financial pressures of running a business in a notoriously challenging industry, compounded by the climate and economic crises surrounding us, the cost of putting food on a plate has risen for everyone.
So, I turned to a concept that had always intrigued me – the volunteer run "Pay What You Can" model. It aimed to level the playing field, ensuring that whether rich or poor, everyone could access homemade, nutritional, local, organic food. To make this dream a reality, it was imperative to utilise an existing empty space, set up a Community Interest Company, and find like-minded individuals who also believed in this concept, with the mentality of trusting that there are enough people out there to volunteer their time, share their skills, attend our lunches, or contribute financially. And if there weren't, then all we've used up is time.
I am proud to say that Cegin Hedyn continues to be a HUGE SUCCESS!
To this day, we have served over 3000 meals, 158 "Pay What You Can," 460 FREE, 600 Volunteer Meals, and 1950 "Suggested Price" meals.
Our plan for year two is to meet the increasing demand through the community freezer and more pop-up style events.
In an ideal world, a project like Cegin Hedyn wouldn't be necessary – we'd all have unfettered access to the food we need. But we're not in that world. So, I am committed to having Cegin Hedyn fill that gap for as long as my community needs it.
Love & Kindness
Deri Reed.
