A “doer” from Cwmbran has been awarded the British Empire Medal for reducing food waste and helping local families by redistributing surplus food from supermarkets.
Sabrina Cresswell set up Tasty Not Wasty, based in Llanyrafon but open to all. She leads a team of volunteers who run services including a “community fridge” and “pay as you feel cafe.”
The Lord‑Lieutenant of Gwent, Brigadier Robert Aitken CBE, the King’s Representative in Gwent, visited Llanyrafon Methodist Church last Thursday (18 December 2025) to present her with the special medal.
Tom Jones, the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet, from Newport Sea Cadet Corps (TS. Resolute), read out a citation to explain why she was nominated by Cllr David Williams, Llanyrafon Ward.
He told how her community work at Tasty Not Wasty transforms “surplus food” into “affordable, nutritious meals for the community.”
‘Beacon of care’
The organisation was described as a “beacon of care and sustainability.”
The Lord-Lieutenant said: “The British Empire Medal is such a wonderful award because it’s the real ‘doers’ medal. It’s the medal for the people who get down and dirty, and roll their sleeves up and get stuck in.
“Looking at the number of people who are here, and the warmth and feeling that I’m getting from you, this audience, this is something that you really richly deserve, and it’s such a pleasure to be able to present it on behalf of the King.”
Cllr Jo Gauden, Croesyceiliog Ward, said: “Sabrina’s work has had such a huge impact on her community…it isn’t just about providing free food or low cost meals to those who need a helping hand, and it isn’t just about giving opportunities to our volunteers…or bringing people together in the cafe to combat loneliness…it is about determinination and one person to not shy away from hard work and growing a little tiny seed of an idea into a huge community asset making a difference in so many ways.”
View more pics from the event on the Cwmbran Life Facebook page.