The Need to Feed: Growing Edibles To Alleviate Food Poverty

An estimated three million children were at risk of being hungry during the school holidays in the UK this summer, and food bank usage is reportedly hitting record highs. Surely, as a nation of gardeners and edible growers we can do something to help?

In efforts to tackle this issue, Miracle-Gro has partnered with FoodCycle, a charity fighting food poverty, to support Brits in growing and donating fresh fruit and vegetables to those in need.

The nationwide initiative sees the gardening brand connect with the charity’s projects near UK towns and cities to support people at risk of food poverty and social isolation. With the long-term aim to alleviate the nation’s food poverty crisis, the brand-charity partnership hopes to kick-start a trend for green-fingered Brits to use their hobby for a wider social purpose by donating their surplus crops.

Local allotments and community gardens across the UK have been armed with supplies of Miracle-Gro results-driven plant food. The all-purpose range promises 50 per cent extra tomatoes and 10 times the fruit weight of courgettes compared to unfed, resulting in additional fresh produce. These harvests will then be put to good use to create delicious, nutritious meals for those experiencing hunger and loneliness, as part of FoodCycle’s regular supper clubs that span the country.

So far, growers taking part in the project across the country have harvested tomatoes, onions, courgettes, carrots and much more. The fresh produce from the local growers will help ensure the FoodCycle meals continue to be delicious and nutritious, supporting those in need. Since 2009, FoodCycle has served over 250,000 meals, and relies on donations of harvests to continue helping the hungry.

Despite 86 per cent of the UK population having access to their own green space, over a quarter (26 per cent) use their outdoor space for eating, entertaining and sunbathing only. The project urges these people to try their hand at growing fruit and vegetables. Combined with those who already grow, the volume of extra yield produced and made available for projects like FoodCycle could be huge.

Whether you have a large allotment, kitchen garden, or just a small green space it’s worth considering what edibles you can grow and donate to a good cause, helping to have an impact on local communities and make steps towards alleviating the UK’s food poverty crisis.

Share this article