One Planet Food - Sutton

Sutton is growing!

One Planet Food is helping to make affordable, delicious and nutritious local food more accesible to residents and helping them get fit and healthy through growing their own. The project is run by local environmental charities BioRegional and EcoLocal, Read a review of the first year's progress here (published October 2010)

Food growing and healthy eating training
EcoLocal’s research showed a high demand from local residents for adult food growing courses for beginners, family learning, and a need to increase knowledge about healthy eating in a fun, non-judgmental way. In answer to this EcoLocal has developed a food growing training centre on a local allotment, where people can learn food growing skills hands-on, the team is also bringing interactive food growing, healthy eating and cooking activities out to schools and community groups and running events in local high streets. The project is also training residents to act as food ambassadors.
www.ecolocal.org.uk

Sutton’s first community farm near Carshalton and Wallington
Perfect for people who don’t have enough time for their own allotment but would like to grow some food and learn new skills. The farm launched in February 2010 and provides free growing space and training. www.suttoncommunityfarm.org.uk

The Veg Van 
Our rennovated milk float is providing fresh affordable local produce in areas with limited access. The service has been running since March 2010 and in September 2011 evolved to deliver veg bags around the borough. Independent research shows that £1 spent on Veg Van produce generates 84% more for the local economy than spending it at a supermarket.
www.vegvan.org.uk
www.suttoncommunityfarm.org.uk/veg-box

The Local food network
Linking local producers to supply healthy local food to Sutton’s schools and hospitals.
 

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This three year project is funded by the Big Lottery Local Food Fund, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, NHS Sutton and Merton, Sutton Council and with in-kind support from Southern Railway. It is part of One Planet Sutton - promoting sustainable council services, sustainable lifestyles and workplaces within the London Borough of Sutton.

The team will monitor the environmental, social and economic impacts of the programme in order gauge its effectiveness in reducing the area’s ecological footprint and benefitting the local economy.