Growing Food for the ‘Needy’
Hyde Park & Woodhouse Community Kitchen Garden
In May 2014 we decided to turn a run down allotment plot into a kitchen garden for growing organic fruits & Veg for those facing hard times, in particular for those sleeping rough. Rough sleepers are one of many groups for whom we seek to support and empower through community gardening and food empowerment initiatives.
Eco-therapy
The kitchen garden is intended to provide ‘head space’ for people that may have experienced difficulties with emotional/mental wellbeing. Indeed, some of our volunteers have reported significant benefits from engaging with this project. We very much encourage people living locally, especially those from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds to come and join us that we can all grow together.
We are also seeking to develop various group sessions at the garden, in particular, a ‘women’s only’ group, there a numerous refuges and hostels in the locality and the CKG provides a safe environment for women seeking to reconnect with nature.
The project also complements the recovery (detoxification and rehabilitation) of people who may be experiencing problems with drugs & alcohol misuse or addiction. In addition to all the above groups, eco-therapy is particularly beneficial for people experiencing learning difficulties, the same holds true for most people regardless of their circumstances (see here for more info). For us it is paramount that we help people rediscover what has always been one of the most basic pathways to attaining good health and a sense of purpose and community, community gardening. We have been growing food for the needy since 2014 of which we freshly prepare and distribute it at our monthly vegan feast which is presently held on the third Thursday of the month at the Leeds Unitarian Chapel. We initially begun preparing healthy vegan options at Leeds Homeless events in 2013 and have gradually built on that. We are situated on Woodhouse Moor, Hyde Park in Leeds (behind the Tennis Courts – click here for google maps). For more info about our efforts to counter increasing ‘food poverty’ see here.
Also ‘like’ the Community Kitchen Garden Facebook Page to receive updates and meeting schedules. We are also looking forward to hosting children sessions. Please note that our volunteers are DBS cleared and have received training in safeguarding adults at risk. Anyone interested in visiting the Kitchen or in arranging supervised/supported sessions and/or work groups are more than welcome and should not hesitate to contact us so please get in touch!!