We believe the pandemic and subsequent crisis have shown there is a need to develop a more sustainable economy, increase food security, raise awareness of healthier food intake, especially in more deprived and diverse communities where nutrition and inequality have created unfair and ongoing challenges.
This is further reinforced by the idea of “build back better” and the need for action on global warming.
All three of these parameters can be covered through urban food growing. Equally, Food is a key part of the mayor’s social fairness & economic equality agenda (since 2018), and the London Food Strategy aims to ensure all Londoners have access to healthy, affordable, and sustainable food. Its objectives and commitments aim to integrate the positive role that food can play across a range of settings and policy areas.
Growing with Grenfell
Food gets people together and food is a human necessity. A lot of our food is imported, and, in most communities, there is always a talk about how to source food more efficiently but also healthier choices for people and the environment.
There is something therapeutic in watching nature grow and being part of the process from beginning to end.
We wish for people to feel proud they will grow a successful, delicious food that potentially will be a great product to showcase the world about resilience and rebirth.
Participants can learn new skills, new habits, and new information about growing food and overall nutrition.
Since March 2021, we have been offering Mushrooms grow-kits to the North Kensington residents, nutrition workshops, well-being events sharing the benefits of mushroom eating, and teaching the low-tech mushroom cultivation methods, with a view to signpost qualifications available.
We also created in Autumn 2022 a dedicated Mushroom Garden for everyone to enjoy.