Grow for a good cause

Reading’s eco-friendly allotment spaces could help tackle food poverty

To help Reading become more sustainable, the Food4families project began working with Reading Borough Council in 2009 to transform unused land into allotments, and unite local communities and schools. Recently, it launched the initiative Veg4reading, utilising an unused plot of land to grow fruit and veg solely for those in need. “In the first year, it was very much making do with what we had available, but local people were generous with their seed and seedling donations to get us started,” explains project co-ordinator Michele Atkins.

As the initiative grew, it collected and distributed over a tonne of fresh fruit and veg, seeing around 80 people signing up to help. “Volunteers learn how to grow veg and understand the growing season,” Michele tells us. “They benefit from the physical exercise, working with like-minded people, giving back to their community, and report improved mental well-being.” Dave Richards, a long-term garden tutor, adds, “We want to hopefully influence policy makers [to ensure] new developments in the next 30 years include an edible infrastructure. We just need local businesses and decision-makers to be part of the solution.” Maga Flores-trevino

Volunteers learn how to grow veg and understand the

growing season