What is Grow to Give?
‘Grow to Give’ is a community food initiative providing fresh, locally grown food to food banks and community fridges across Buckinghamshire. Because of COVID, the Cost-of-Living crisis and War in Ukraine, food charities have faced a significant increase in demand for food, indeed, many employed people now depend on food banks to help feed their families.
Grow to Give believe that everyone should have access to fresh food and realised there are times when some local allotment holders and home growers end up with a surplus of a particular fruit or vegetable. By donating this surplus these gardeners can really provide vital supplies to the food banks and therefore help those most in need
.
How have Ashbrook been involved?
In 2020 Ashbrook was the first allotment in Bucks to join the Grow to Give scheme and has always been very supportive to its ongoing success. It was enthusiastically encouraged by the very community minded and kind John Currell who made it possible and spread the word around Ashbrook. Since then, we have been a regular and major contributor to this scheme by generously donating our surplus fruit and vegetables over the summer and autumn months. Across Bucks, the scheme now has 20 allotments supporting 3 food banks, one in Aylesbury, one In High Wycombe and the third in Chesham. In 2020 Grow to Give collected 1,600kgs of fresh produce, in 2021 this figure was doubled to 3,200kgs. So, in 2 years a total of 4,800kgs (4.8 tonnes) was collected which supported over 600 local families. Of this, growers at Ashbrook have donated just over 2,000kgs (2 tonnes) – so you can see just how important Ashbrook is in our Grow to Give scheme in Bucks. This year Grow to Give are trying to collect at least 3.5tonnes.
How can you help?
Every week during the summer and early autumn you can donate your spare and surplus fruit and vegetables by leaving them in the trays provided next to the equipment sheds in the middle of the allotment site. Any spare vegetables, fruit or herbs are welcome provided they are in reasonable condition, you can leave as much or as little as you like. The collections are made every Monday morning at about 9:30 am so leaving items at the weekend is best and if your donation is perishable or the weather is hot then please leave as close as possible to the collection time. Anything you can spare will be very much appreciated.
Our surplus fruit and vegetables will support local people at a very difficult time and at the same time reduce any food waste in a healthy and safe way.
Who to contact if I have a question?
If you have any questions, then please contact the Local Champions. Their names are on the notice boards and next to the collection point. They will be very pleased to help and advise.
More Information on Grow to Give
If you would like more information about Grow to Give then follow this link to their website:
Ashbrook Allotments 