Future funding secured for the Grow your own crops initiative

Following the huge success of the Grow your own crops initiative, we wanted to follow up with the Tamil School to find out difference the project has been making to the local community.

Apon talking with the school and community members, we identified that the group was keen to keep the project going but would need additional funding in order to continue. We carried out a funding search and supported the group with their application, ensuring they met the criteria and understood the outcomes they would need to demonstrate.

We’re extremely pleased to share the fantastic news that the Tamil School were successful with their application and have been awarded funding for two years.

The school and local community are excited to reignite the project and time for Summer. They are hoping to widen their engagement with other local groups and encourage more people to get involved in growing crops.

This project has not just supported families with the increase in the cost of living but had brought non engaging members of the community to become active participants and has also generated intergenerational conversation on topics that would otherwise not taken place.

We are proud of the trust that our community development team has built within the community and understanding their needs has been paramount in order for us to support them and ensure this much need project continues.

Grow Your Own Crop’ initiative, funded through Sutton Council's Sutton Community Fund

Through knowledge and research we knew that the cost-of-living crisis disproportionately effects ethnic and minority groups, particularly in accessing affordable fresh produce. Through multiple engagements with the Sutton Tamil School, we identified the rising food prices of essential ingredients used in ethnic cooking.

With support from Sutton Council’s Sutton Community Fund, the ‘Grow Your Own Crop’ initiative was born. This initiative provided families with seedlings and gardening sessions. A WhatsApp group was also set up to provide support and motivation.

86 participants grew crops in their home gardens and shared their experiences and challenges. Families with different generations took part in planting, watering, harvesting and cooking using ingredients from the food grown.

The difference can be seen through;

• Reduced Grocery Bills: Homegrown vegetables like brinjal, peppers, pumpkin, and onions helped families cut down on their food expenses, which typically ranged from £40-£60 per grocery trip.
• Strengthened Communities: Families engaged in meaningful conversations, exchanged gardening tips, and shared surplus produce.
• Enhanced Intergenerational Connections: Parents and children bonded over gardening.
• Increased Physical Activity: Gardening improved physical and mental well-being.
• Healthier Eating Habits: The availability of fresh, organic vegetables reduced reliance on imported produce and created a healthier diet.

Watch the video below to hear form the people that took part in the initiative