MALVERN Hills District Council has been handing out ‘Grow Your Own Veg’ kits to green-fingered families during half-term.
The project, which has been set up by the Malvern Hills District Youth Advisory Network (MYAN), also aims to encourage children to take an active role in growing and preparing food.
Working with MYAN and using funding from Ready Steady Worcestershire, Malvern Hills District Council has helped to create and distribute over 80 packs between Tenbury High Ormiston Academy, Tenbury Foodbank and The Octagon in Malvern.
The ‘Grow Your Own Veg’ kits, kindly put together by Link Nurseries, include pots, compost, basil and tomato seeds and a £5 National Garden Centre gift card so families can continue their growing adventure.
Ingredients (some donated by Tesco Tenbury Wells), recipe cards, and a £10 voucher for Tesco donated by Malvern Foodbank, make up the contents of the food packs.
Coun Tom Wells, Portfolio Holder for Community Services at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “Not only does this initiative help families, but it also contributes towards our commitment to become a greener and more sustainable district.
“Growing vegetables at home, being mindful of what you consume and reducing food waste are great ways to reduce your impact on the environment.”
Phil Woodhead, Manager at Link Nurseries, said: “It’s great for us at Link Nurseries to be able to engage with the community in this way and our Well Bean Gardening Club members have been working hard to put together the kits.
“The members of the club come to Link Nurseries to support their own mental health and physical wellbeing, so for them it’s really beneficial to know they are making an impact in the community with their work.
“It’s vital that we continue to encourage young people to learn about where their food comes from and how to grow their own produce.”
Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/community/coronavirus-covid-19-update for a list of local and national organisations that can support families in need.
Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/about-your-council/tackling-climatechange to find out more about what the district council is doing to support the environment.
