As the number of people accessing food banks has grown, the Hands of Hope charity have identified the opportunity to support families and vulnerable residents to start growing their own food at home.
Hands of Hope will initially work with Rye Food Bank, Hawkhurst Community Support Group and Christchurch Primary School in Hastings with the aim of providing at least 200 families/households with the materials required to “Get Growing” complemented by ongoing support.
They will also push out information and help to local residents of Rother and West Kent via social media platforms such as NextDoor, Facebook and community link ebulletins for both East Sussex and Kent.
Most beneficiaries are expected to have access to some external space (a garden or yard), suitable for growing, using a range of techniques and methods such as small-scale and container planting, propagation and seed sowing. Those who have larger spaces will be encouraged to give back surplus produce which will then be used to help support the food banks. Those with no outdoor space will be provided with produce to grow indoors.
The aim is to deliver the following benefits to the beneficiaries:
(i) Develop new skills regardless of age or ability;
(ii) Gain access to in-season fresh food;
(iii) Health benefits associated with fresh air and physical activity.
These are all legacy benefits which should last beyond the current crisis even if not every family continues to grow. “Get Growing” is a good example of innovative collaborative working that is both in line with Kent County Council and the Government’s’ policy “Better Health for All” and provides legacy or lasting benefits, as follows:
- Surplus produce will be distributed to local food banks;
- The group of new growers may be inspired – post crisis – to get involved in a “Get Growing Community Allotment”, and
- Enriched social activity, bringing communities together and creating cohesion.
Image Credits: Rye News library , Hands of Hope .