New food project is growing places
COMMUNITY groups in Inverclyde have the chance to grow in the right direction by producing their own food thanks to a new council-led initiative.
The Invergrow project aims to increase the number of food growing schemes across Inverclyde by supporting community-based voluntary groups to develop small and large growing spaces.
Grants of between £1,000 and £6,000 are available towards the development of local initiatives.
Invergrow is being led by Inverclyde Council in partnership with the Inverclyde Community Food Network and being delivered thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda.
Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said: “This is an excellent opportunity to build on the good work that is already being done by local groups to nurture food growing in our community.
“Now there is financial support and practical advice available to help develop existing projects or launch a brand new one.
“We have so many great outdoor spaces that are ripe for this type of development and like-minded people who are ready to make a positive environmental impact and also to help address food insecurity by making fresh produce readily available right on our doorstep.”
The Invergrow project will support the workings of the Inverclyde Food Network and help deliver priorities contained in the Inverclyde Food Growing Strategy.
The priorities are to: build capacity within communities to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to take part in food growing; create strong partnership working between communities, the council and housing associations; ensure communities have the resources they need to be able to take part in food growing, and contribute towards a reduction in poverty through strong partnership working.
Groups have until 5.30pm on Sunday 18 February 2024 to apply for a grant.
More information about Invergrow and how to apply for a grant is available on the Inverclyde Council website at www.inverclyde.gov.uk/invergrow or via the link in the Related Links section of this page.