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Helping people grow their own is more than food for thought

We're calling for the public and businesses to help us support 100 local families grow their own food, as part of tackling the growing problem of food poverty.

With the food growing experts Bolton Urban Growers, we've launched a crowdfunding campaign called Sown in Bolton.

Last year, our Sown in Bolton project supported an initial 32 families in Breightmet to grow food in their own gardens. It led to healthier diets, an improved environment and a stronger community.

Tony Cottam, our Head of Employment and Enterprise, said: “Sown in Bolton teaches people the joys of growing their own fruit and vegetables. It also encourages them to be more active and more informed about healthy food and saving money. We were delighted by the positive and lasting difference it made to adults and children first time around, which is why we want to continue to develop it this year.”

Supporting the campaign will provide the advice and resources needed to help 100 families grow food in their own gardens. This includes developing two community hubs to supply food growing equipment. Each family will receive a food growing starter kit of a raised bed, fruit tree and fruit bush

The fundraising target is £19,957 by 28 March. To back the Sown in Bolton project and see a video of the benefits it offers, visit www.spacehive.com/sown-in-bolton.