GREEN-fingered gardeners in Bromsgrove will be sharing their excess produce to help the local community.
Plot holders at Roundill Allotments, off Staple Flat in Lickey End, have pledged to donate a variety of their fresh fruit and vegetables to The Basement Project.
The charity helps young people aged 25 years and under, who are living in crisis.
Some of the food will be distributed via The Basement Project’s Foodbank, which has seen a dramatic increase in demand over recent years.
The produce will also be used as fresh ingredients during a series of new cookery classes being run by volunteer Elaine Wroblewska at the Bromsgrove-based charity to help teach young people how to create delicious and healthy meals.
The Roundhill Allotments, owned by Bromsgrove District Council, were created at the start of the 1900s and currently more than 100 people rent a plot.
Among these are Tom and Jodie Pritchard, who have been growing produce there since 2020 and who are active members of the allotment association.
Their concern about food wastage, which can occur when particular crops produce an abundant harvest, resulted in them connecting with The Basement Project and the subsequent establishment of a food donation scheme.
Tom said: “I’d been aware of The Basement Project’s Food Bank for some time and our allotment plot holders and association members were very receptive to supporting this important local charity.”
Roundhill Allotment Association chair Ade Mogg added: “Positive community outcomes are important to our association.
“We have been lucky enough to have received support from a number of funding sources, which has enabled us to greatly improve the facilities on site.
“Working with The Basement Project provides a great opportunity for us to give something back.”
The Basement Project is currently seeking volunteer drivers to assist with the collection and delivery of fresh produce from Roundhill Allotments.
Anyone who can help should call 01527 832993.
