Posted on: Wednesday 12 November 2025
Torfaen Play Service has scooped five accolades at this year’s Welsh Government Food and Fun Awards.
The awards ceremony, which took place in Cardiff on Thursday 6 November, celebrated the team’s long term contribution to tackling holiday hunger and supporting children’s health and well being.
The Food and Fun programme is designed to provide nutritious meals and enrichment activities during school holidays, helping children stay active, healthy and engaged.
The highlight of the evening was the Children’s Choice Award, presented to Play Worker Justin Johnson, who has been with the service for the past 12 years.
The Children’s Choice Award gave young people at Food and Fun Camps across Wales the chance to nominate their favourite worker, with Justin receiving outstanding local support and praise.
He said: “I am really proud to win this award. I dedicate so much time to planning and preparing activities for the children to make a difference. I’m truly humbled by the kind feedback I’ve received from the children in Torfaen. I can’t believe how many chose me!”
Other award winners included:
- Highly Commended Scheme Staff Award - Joseph Edmonds & Leah Williams, Blenheim Community Primary
- Highly Commended Scheme Catering Award - Torfaen Catering
- Highly Commended Volunteer Award - Teigan Roffey for George Street Primary & Ieuan Maher for Garnteg Primary
- Highly Commended Sports Coach Award - Stefan Allcock, West Mon School
Torfaen Play Service has been delivering these camps for nine years, offering free breakfasts and lunches alongside physical activities, nutrition education, and creative sessions such as arts and play.
This summer alone, the team delivered 17 Food and Fun camps across primary and secondary schools in the borough, with more than 2,000 children and young people registered.
In total, an impressive 78,356 meals were served, thanks to the dedication of paid staff and volunteers.
Cllr Richard Clark, Executive Member for Children, Families and Education said: “A huge well done to everyone from Torfaen Play and Torfaen Catering who received these awards. Your hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication to supporting our children and young people through this programme is truly inspiring.
"Thank you to all the staff, volunteers, and partners who make Food and Fun such a success in Torfaen.”