The idea
The initial project is to share and use front/back gardens, balconies and window sills of older persons and disabled, all to produce free healthy natural food. Once the produce is ready to harvest, we give a portion to the client and the rest to others in need.
We aim to grow foods such as potatoes, onions, strawberries, blueberries, salads, herbs and even nuts, in great soil that has no pesticides, packed with vitamins.
It's also a chance to reduce loneliness by regular visits. contact, communication and interpersonal relationships. This is a chance to find a way to provide sustainability within the city whilst providing friendship, a way to reduce loneliness. We aim in the future to feed at least 20 percent of households of older persons and the disabled. Social and economic resilience made possible.
We also want to find more land to reach more people for the availability of fresh food. We have 2 allotments and are seeking more land, even roof tops so we can look into growing.
What we'll deliver
- Fencing and secruity to protect plants and buildings
- Organic compost, fertilisers, plants &seeds
- Tools & irrigation system
Why it's a great idea
Neighbours and outward community
Older persons
Those with a disability
Environment will benefit with improvement of soil and added vegetation
Businesses who want to see the area improve and our project spending with them,
Familes
Reduce social isolation amongst the elderly and disabled (Including young adults with a disability).
Reduce food poverty by growing food at source, their homes. This helps with health and well being by growing food in nutritious soil, organically making sure the natural vitamins are stored for the client groups health.
Reduce the carbo footprint for Ealing borough
Increase volunteering
Boost the local economy
Reducing food miles
Steps to get it done
- Weeding the 3 allotments for planting
- Preparing the soil by adding fertilisers and organic compost.
- Creating a list of volunteers from various groups such as those with a disability : refugees , ex service men
- Building the poly tunnels with volunteers
- Adding seeds and plants with the volunteers
- Installing an irrigation system with help of volunteers
- Training the volunteers in basic gardening skills
We also want to reach BAME communities that have a high percentage of poverty such as Windmill park estates.