Idea in a Nutshell

Plant Grow Share's project 'Community Food: Growing Fresh Produce for All', is an extension of their ongoing work to address food insecurity, local food systems and climate awareness by increasing the availability of fresh local produce in food banks and helping people experiencing food insecurity in their community develop the skills to grow their own food. They will use the funding to maintain and cultivate nine community raised beds at the busy intersection of Dixon Avenue and Langside Road - a site which will otherwise go unused without financial support.

These raised beds, built two years ago, allow Plant Grow Share to grow a variety of herbs, salads, and larger vegetables. Residents can freely harvest herbs and salads as they pass by, making use of the sites location as an area with heavy foot traffic. Larger crops such as potatoes, brassicas, and root vegetables will be donated to Pollokshields Food Point and Al-Khair Foundation Foodbank. Through experience, we have found that this system works well, as it allows members of the community to actively participate by picking produce that is popular and easy to grow back (coriander, mint, lettuce etc.), as well as being able to provide larger vegetables to the food points, ensuring that those facing financial hardship have increased access to fresh, nutritious food.

The funding will allow them to purchase essential growing materials such as seeds, compost, and tools to maintain the raised beds throughout the growing season. Additionally, they plan to install new signage at the site to better inform residents about what is growing, what is ready to harvest, and how they can get involved. To further ensure the project will be responsive to community needs, Plant Grow Share will introduce a feedback box at the Pollokshields Food Point and the Al-Khair Foundation, which will allow users to suggest what they would like to see grown. This will help us cultivate produce that is both useful and desired by the community.

In addition to maintaining the community beds, they plan to use them as a learning hub by running a series of hands-on workshops for nine participants they have been supporting. Last year, we built raised beds in the back gardens of these individuals, who responded to Plant Grow Share's open call organised in partnership with Govanhill Housing Association and MILK Cafe. These participants were identified as experiencing food insecurity and were eager to learn how to grow their own food. While they provided them with the necessary tools and materials to start growing, Plant Grow Share are committed to continuing their support to help the individuals make the best use of their raised beds. The funding will allow Plant Grow Share to run a series of workshops on practical guidance and troubleshooting support, taking place at the raised beds at the Dixon Avenue site. The workshops will focus on seasonal growing techniques suited to Scotland’s climate—such as crop rotation, soil preparation, and choosing hardy, climate-appropriate crops—as well as how to cook and preserve what they harvest. By equipping these individuals with the skills to grow and eat seasonally, they aim to reduce their reliance on food banks and help them make the most of their raised beds. Ultimately, Plant Grow Share hope to empower these individuals to become more self-sufficient and contribute to a stronger, more resilient local food system.

Through these activities, Plant Grow Share aim to donate at least 400 kg of fresh produce over the growing season, engage at least 100 residents through harvesting opportunities and information, and enhance the growing skills of 9 workshop participants.