School digs deep to help the homeless in Harrogate
25 August 2009
Photo opportunity: 1.00pm Friday 28
August 2009
7 Bower Street, Harrogate
Produce from Harrogate Council's first ever vegetable plot in a public park is to go to the Harrogate Homeless project.
Western County Primary School have been involved in the 'veggie plot' in Harrogate Valley Gardens where they have been growing their own produce with the help of council gardeners over the last few months.
But with the school's agreement, Harrogate Borough Council has decided to donate some of the surplus crop to the Harrogate Homeless Project on Bower Street, Harrogate.
The children involved in the 'veggie plot' have been able to learn first hand how to sow seeds and grow their own vegetables which were on display at the 49th Annual Allotment Show and have received many positives comments from members of the public.
The Harrogate Homeless project that will benefit from the 'veggie plot' was set up in 1991 and relies solely on contributions and donations from the local community to keep the project running.
All the residents' food is donated.
The project aims to meet all basic physical needs, especially promoting a healthy diet and lifestyle.
"The food that is to be donated will give the residents inspiration to try new recipes, said Liz
Hancock, Manager of the Harrogate Homeless Project.
"
The residents cook the food themselves with support from project staff this is usually done as a team and shared amongst all the residents.
I'm sure that the creative minds of the residents will be on form when they receive the vegetables; kale, sweet corn, beans, beetroot, Swiss chard and kohlrabi.
"We would like to give a big thank you to everybody involved in the planning, growing, and delivery of the vegetables."
Cllr Richard Cooper, Harrogate Council's Cabinet Member for Cultural Services said: "This is a winning scheme.
The plants have taught schoolchildren about where food comes from, provided pleasure to the public who use the Valley Gardens and provided food for the homeless.
Those green fingers have become a helping hand for the most needy in our community."
As part of the ongoing initiative of growing your own and promoting healthy eating, Harrogate Borough Council plans next year to make this one large vegetable plot in the Valley Gardens.
They will work in partnership with the Harrogate and District Allotment Federation, as it is their 50th show next year.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY:
1.00 pm Friday, 28 August 2009 outside Harrogate Homeless Project, 7 Bower Street, Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate, Councillor Pat Jones will present the vegetables grown to project workers and residents.
Notes to Editor
Harrogate Homeless Project
Manager: Liz Hancock
Bower Road
Harrogate
Tel: 01423 566900
Further Information
Councillor Richard Cooper
Cabinet Member for Cultural Services
Tel: 07792 655535
Media contact
:
Lynne Mee
Harrogate Borough Council Communications and Media Manager,
Tel:
01423 556022
M
obile:
07525 987921
or Jack Taylor, Press Assistant on 01423 556022