ORGANIC FOOD FOR ALL

This is an exciting social programme being run by HDRA, the organic organisation. OFfA will provide training and support to encourage people to grow their own fruit and vegetables using organic methods. The target audience is socially excluded communities and those not currently growing their own produce. Also this programme is designed to work with adults; HDRA have a separate schools programme working with children (see their Organic Gardens for Schools website for further information).

Organic foods are often thought to be expensive and only bought by the more affluent members of society. OFfA will make fresh organic fruit and vegetables available to a much wider audience and especially those with little disposable income. OFfA will enable these groups to grow produce cheaply and easily, regardless of their limitations. Various cultivation methods will be promoted to make the best use of whatever growing space is available, whether an allotment, wasteland, garden, balcony or windowsill.

Volunteers will be recruited from local residents to act as mentors for those eligible to join in the programme. The mentors do not need to have vast quantities of gardening experience, as they will be trained in appropriate organic growing methods by HDRA staff. They will also be given the skills and support to establish and work with novice organic gardeners to grow their own fruit and vegetables. OFfA will work in partnership with a wide variety of people: these will include local and national community groups, health providers, local authorities and businesses to provide the greatest opportunities for participants. Interest has already been shown for the project and potential mentors and sites are being considered.

OFfA is recruiting volunteers for the programme on an on going basis. Funding is available for a three-year programme at present. This has come from generous sponsorship by KETTLE® Organics Potato Chips and private donations from HDRA members, all keen to see organic fruit and vegetable growing promoted to a new and wider audience. We are seeking further support to ensure a lasting project providing benefits to many people across the whole of the UK.

How can you help/join in?
We would like to hear from individuals and organisations involved in policymaking, those who know of some land that we can use or can provide other support or sponsorship. We also need volunteers to act as mentors and anyone who would like to start growing their own organic fruit and vegetables.

For further details contact Project Coordinator Jowanna Lewis or Tricia Wallen at HDRA

Tel:                  0845 064 1164 or 024 7630 8209
Write to:          OFfA,
                       HDRA,
                       Ryton Organic Gardens,
                       Coventry,
                       CV8 3LG
Email:              organicfoodforall@hdra.org.uk