SALTASH Town Council has handed out more than £2,200 in grants to three local organisations, backing projects ranging from tackling food waste to supporting music, drama and youth football.

Mayor Cllr Brian Stoyel said the council was proud to support groups making a difference across the town.

“Saltash Town Council is proud to support local organisations that make such a positive difference to the lives of our residents,” he said. “Through the Community Chest grant scheme, we’re able to invest in projects that strengthen our community, support health and wellbeing, celebrate arts and culture, and provide opportunities for people of all ages.”

Gleaning Cornwall has received £250 towards the purchase of a laptop for its administrative work, helping volunteers manage the charity’s growing operation.

The organisation collects surplus, out-of-grade and ‘wonky’ produce from farms across Cornwall before distributing fresh food to people experiencing food insecurity.

It supplies the Saltash Community Fridge and Larder, Community Kitchen and Saltash Foodbank each week.

Founder and manager Holly Whitelaw said the charity now handles around eight tonnes of produce a month and delivers food free of charge to 160 organisations.

“Our local co-ordinator has been struggling with an old iPad for years, and we are so grateful that she can now really show off her spreadsheet skills and better handle the local social media requirements,” she said.

“We have nearly saved £1million worth of vegetables since setting up five years ago and are extremely grateful to the town council for their kind support.”

Holly added the charity was currently helping feed around 11,000 people in need each week, with working families struggling with the cost of living among those benefiting from its fresh produce.

Saltash Music, Speech and Drama Festival has received £1,000 towards its 2027 event, which will mark the 35th annual festival at Wesley Methodist Church.

The volunteer-run festival brings together local organisations, choirs, soloists, bands, schools and college performers, with the event open to residents and visitors.

Festival representative Phil Taylor said the 2026 event attracted almost 500 entries and organisers were hoping to build on that figure next year.

“The grant is imperative to our existence as most of our expenditure covers payment to three professional adjudicators, their accommodation, hire of Wesley Church for up to seven days and printing of the syllabus and programme,” he said.

“Without the grant, we would really struggle financially to put on a festival the following year.”

Saltash United Football Club has been awarded £989.89 to buy portable training equipment for its adult and youth teams.

The club says the equipment will allow sessions to take place at both its main pitch and secondary locations, while also helping younger players use Kimberley Stadium.

The Community Chest is intended to support small-scale projects which benefit Saltash, while the council’s Festival Fund supports larger free events attracting significant numbers.

The council said it remained committed to funding initiatives promoting health, wellbeing, recreation, leisure and community life.

Applications for Community Chest and Festival Fund grants can be made through Saltash Town Council.