Riverside has provided funding for the Grow, Cook and Eat Project which has recently been launched, based at the Burnside Centre in the heart of Langley in Middleton

This project will support local people to learn how to grow herbs, vegetables and flowers.   The addition of herbs in meals will reduce the need for salt and encourage people to look at new recipes to encourage a healthier diet. 

Herb growing and cooking can be done during the months of January and February to be included in low cost meals using a variety of vegetables which they can start to grow in February and throughout the year. 

An allotment plot on Bowlee Allotments has been secured from Status 4 All who are working in partnership with Burnside.   The flowers and herbs can then be taken home to continue to grow in the home and the skills learnt can be passed on to other family members and people in the local community. 

The first of two Healthy Eating Events was held last month to showcase the produce the members have grown and healthy food prepared for people to taste.  The second event will be held in September with other agencies and health professionals in attendance.

Sharon Thomas, Riverside’s Community Engagement Team Leader said “Growing your own food is a healthy and nutritious way of reducing the amount you will normally spend on food and improving a poor diet.   The social and physical aspect of growing, cooking and eating together reduces the impact of social isolation and encourages community cohesion as everyone taking part in this project will be encouraged to attend the allotments”.

Joan Aspinall from Burnside said “Working in partnership with Status 4 All will mean local families will have the opportunity to volunteer and attend fun days at the leisure garden and we would hope to engage new members of Langley Community who could bring their cultural knowledge and dishes to the group.  The Talk English classes at Burnside would enhance their engagement with this project.”

Burnside also holds a Men’s Sunday Jamming group where they sing, play guitars and drumming this reduces men’s social isolation and mental health which is a concern in the area. 

The project will engage with male and female members of the estate with all ages from 16+ and younger children can also get involved on the allotment plot.