For the second year running, we’re partnering with HelloFresh (recipe box extraordinaires) to support SF&G members in running activities to educate consumers about food and encourage more sustainable habits. This year, there is a particular focus on families and children. HelloFresh has put together a toolkit named the Curr-EAT-ulum Garden Syllabus aimed at parents and schools, which can be downloaded here.
The toolkit provides easy-to-access activities for little ones to start thinking more sustainably about their food habits and some helpful tips for a simple approach to composting. We are thrilled to have low-waste chef Max La Manna on board with the project and help us deliver this important message.
In September, we awarded four community projects in gardens across the UK in London, Birmingham, Sheffield, and Edinburgh with grants to enable these activities. See what happened when Max visited St. Raphael’s community garden.
Find out more about the gardens taking part below:
St Raphaels Edible Gardens – London
Sufra NW London works on the front lines in the fight against hunger and poverty while also offering a wide range of services and community-based activities that empower individuals and families to overcome impoverishment and social isolation. Their community garden, St Raphaels Edible Garden, provides a therapeutic space that invests in the skills, health, and wellbeing of local people while improving the appearance of the estate and giving residents an opportunity to come together, have fun, and grow food.
Cyrenians Community Garden – Scotland
Cyrenians Community Garden offers hospital patients, staff, and visitors, as well as local residents, the chance to take part in gardening, landscaping, food growing and therapeutic learning programmes. Their vision is to create a space for communities to grow together, with a particular focus on creating a space that is inclusive for those who might face barriers to being involved in such activities due to a range of complex needs.
Sage – Sheffield Sage Sheffield runs therapeutic horticulture groups on their allotment. This is a space for those struggling with their mental health to meet, make friends, garden, and cook together. Their site spans three allotment plots where they have raised beds for members to plan and plant their own garden, sit quietly, or chat with friends.
Balsall Heath City Farm – Birmingham
Balsall Heath City Farm offers educational and recreational opportunities on their farm. The farm grows fruit, vegetables, and flowers and has a small nature pond. They also have fruit trees, are developing a community gardening project, and are starting a compost scheme that aims to teach people how to compost and reduce their food waste.
Many thanks to HelloFresh for partnering with us in our mission to support local communities to grow, cook, and eat together. We can’t wait to see these exciting projects come to life!