Every1's Garden - Grow, Care & Share (360G-SCVO-a0gb000000QAUatAAH)

Our project will provide local community members accessing our centre for a food bank referral with not only access to a supply of fresh fruit and vegetables but the knowledge, ability and confidence to grow their own in the future. We will develop a dedicated plot and raised beds in our community garden for this sole use. An average of 30 individuals come to the centre for a food bank referral each month. Our project is innovative in that we will not only provide these individuals and families the support and assistance needed for the referral but much needed access to fresh fruit and vegetables. What makes this project special is we will also provide the equipment and know-how for participants to grow their own in future. A diet of tinned and packet food can lack the required amount of vitamins and minerals that are essential to fitness and well-being. In addition to improving diet, the benefits of gardening are well documented to have a positive effect not only on physical but mental health. We will offer fresh garden produce to each referee and the space, tools, equipment and support to anyone wishing to learn how to grow their own. We will do this by running workshops which will focus on all aspects of growing your own fruit and vegetables. We will also incorporate workshops that will focus on cooking with recipes using the food bank parcel contents and seasonal garden produce to make nutritious, home cooked meals. Our project will allow participants of all ages, facing the challenges of a welfare system that provides little income access to a safe, green space. They can grow their own food and interact in a pleasant, social environment, building on learning experiences and increasing social inclusion.