During 2017-18, this project has promoted food growing and healthy eating activities working with local school pupils (P6 and P7), nursery school children, the Healthy Heart Garden and Community Payback workers at the Disability Resource Centre, Paisley.
Volunteers and a sessional worker have been supporting the development of gardening activities within the North Paisley area. We have coordinated workshop sessions including the planting of seed potatoes in 18 wooden planters made by Community Payback in March 2017. The potatoes were successfully harvested and eaten in June 2017. Development work to supporting food growing and gardening activities with local schools, local nurseries and local groups has been taking place on an ongoing basis.
This project has aimed to improve awareness of healthy eating and gardening skills involved in growing potatoes. The safe outdoor learning environment at the Healthy Heart Garden has provided social space for sharing of food growing skills between children and adults with disabilities. There has been a reduction in vandalism at the garden due to the forming of positive relationships as part of the project.
The knowledge and understanding of food growing and the gardening activities within the local community has been improved for local children by practical engagement in potato growing at the Healthy Heart Garden.
We are very grateful for Spuds for Buddies receiving support from Renfrewshire Council. People’s Postcode Lottery Trust and Hugh Fraser Foundation.
Further information is available at:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/45538598@N05/albums/72157688681712040
