Manifesto to inspire local growth
Communities which work together to grow, eat and distribute their
own food feel happier, healthier and take more positive steps to improve the
environment – both local and global. That’s the simple but powerful conclusion contained in a new
manifesto, which calls for greater effort from policy makers, funders and
support organisations to help those local community groups who create tangible
benefits for their neighbourhoods. Called ‘From the ground up’, the manifesto is the
culmination of the three-year SPAN partnership programme (Sustainable
Production in Active Neighbourhoods) and aims to inspire wider recognition of
the positive impact of community food growing.
It was launched at the 'Big Listen', an event bringing together community groups, international and national academics and specialists and decision makers. The event was organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature, in association with SPAN - a partnership of five national organisations comprising: Community Composting Network, Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens, Garden Organic, Permaculture Association and Women’s Environmental Network.
During the SPAN programme, which was funded by Defra’s Environmental Action Fund, the partners worked with community groups to learn how more people can be involved in local food projects.
The programme demonstrated that community food initiatives not only provide a focus for improving the local area but also encourage and empower people to take action on wider issues such as climate change and global sustainability.
Ruth Allen, SPAN’s project manager, said: “In order to mobilise local action, groups based in local communities need support in four areas: hands-on support, better access to land, sustainable growing and better support for groups whose practical food initiatives improve health and wellbeing.”
WWF ran a parallel project to the SPAN programme, also funded by the Environmental Action Fund. The organisation worked with community groups in Surrey to discover what support was needed by community groups to encourage local people to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. Findings from the project will be published shortly.
The manifesto produced by SPAN will now be sent to government ministers, policy makers and funders as well as a number of community sector and environmental bodies in England. Interested organisations are being encouraged to endorse the manifesto – details will be available on the SPAN website at www.spanpartnership.org.uk.
