New Grow It, Cook It, Eat It site opens in Iver
A new community growing site in Iver is encouraging local people to get involved in helping to grow fresh produce for the community and support healthy lifestyles and wellbeing.
The Ivers Community Growing Project launched earlier this month at the 1st Iver Heath Scout Hut in Iver Heath. Organisers and people from the local community gathered for the official opening of the community garden. Buckinghamshire Council has commissioned local charity, Community Impact Bucks, to support the Iver growing project as part of the Grow It, Cook It, Eat It scheme.
Grow It, Cook It, Eat It is a community food growing and cooking project which brings communities together. It provides a communal growing space for all local people, including those who may otherwise struggle to buy fresh fruit and vegetables. The scheme allows people to learn new skills and improve their health and wellbeing, make new friends and get exercise in the fresh air. It is also completely free to join. Grow It, Cook It, Eat It sites already exist in Aylesbury, High Wycombe and Chesham.
Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, Angela Macpherson said: “We are delighted to see another community growing site set up in the county, this time in Iver. With so many people still finding it really difficult to make ends meet, the idea behind these projects is to bring communities together to support each other. They are welcoming and inclusive spaces for everyone and I would encourage anyone who would like to get involved to come and find out more. Not only do they offer a great way for people to learn about growing their own fruit and veg, they are a great way to socialise and meet new people while enjoying the fresh air and exercise."
In addition to learning how to grow their own fruit and vegetables, the schemes also give people the opportunity to gain cooking skills, learning how to create tasty meals using fresh and simple ingredients through cookery sessions delivered to existing groups in the community.
Volunteers are needed to help the scheme to thrive. Anyone can get involved, no matter your experience. To find out more about the Iver site, contact Karen on telephone: 01844 617231, via email: [email protected] or visit the Community Impact Bucks website.
More information about Grow It, Cook It, Eat It can be found on the Health and Wellbeing Bucks website.