A new partnership was formed between Community Food Initiatives North East (CFINE), One Seed Forward, Tullos Community Garden, and Granite City Good Food to launch an initiative called Keep Growing Aberdeen. Keep Growing Aberdeen will distribute growing packs to the residents of Torry, including seedlings, compost, plant pots, and instructions on how to get started.
The coronavirus outbreak is causing insecurity around food supply and people are experiencing cabin fever due to the confinement at home. Contact with nature is proven to improve mental health, which makes food growing a great remedy for the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The partners of the project are recruiting individuals and families who live in Torry and are interested in growing herbs and vegetables in their homes, gardens or community growing spaces such as the Tullos Community Garden, following the social distancing guidance. Participants are asked to share their surplus seedlings with their neighbours, connecting with those who live near-by through plants on windowsills.
Rebecca Dunn, CFINE community growing development worker, said:
“The Keep Growing Aberdeen project encompasses everything that we stand for as an organisation: improving health, well-being, and the environment, as well as tackling poverty.
“CFINE is delighted to participate in this great new initiative which will help people look after their mental and physical health and we look forward to seeing the good food that the local community will grow.”
Bob Donald, One Seed Forward Chair, said:
“As a community growing initiative, One Seed Forward is pleased to support local projects such as this.
“Gardening is acknowledged as having mental and physical health benefits and we hope that the families taking part also have fun in taking care of their seedlings as they grow.”
The growing packs will be prepared at the CFINE premises. The charity will deliver the packs by electric cargo bikes or car as part of their emergency food delivery routes to those who signed up, following strict health and safety procedures.
Keep Growing Aberdeen received £500 funding from Aberdeen City Council.