Meeting Gives Food For Thought

SOLVING issues around the production and supply of food packed out a community hall with people keen to offer solutions. 

Food – growing network Incredible Edible Loughborough held its first public meeting at Fearon Hall on how taking over disused land in urban spaces to grow fruit and vegetables could be an answer. 

Founder of the town group of the nationwide network encouraging more local and seasonal food – growing to connect communities, alleviate food poverty and regenerate the environment Julian Rees told the meeting Incredible Edible is unpicking the commodification of food. 

“It’s planting several sites in Loughborough to grow it for free to help relieve food insecurity. It’s about changing behaviour and changing perceptions of food,” said Mr Rees.  

“We’re ignorant of the food we eat, we don’t know where it comes from or what it’s been sprayed with. Four million people live in food poverty and the high level of fat in nutrient–deficient food is causing obesity in children.” 

It was decided at the meeting to aim for eight plots to plant fruit and vegetables where people want to go; they can walk onto the land and know how it’s been grown.     

Parliamentary Candidate for the Labour Party Jeevun Sandher, 32 said: 

“It’s a great, hopeful event, I’m pleased to be here. I learnt a lot about extending land uses for fruit and vegetable planting.” 

“I’m not a great gardener or a vegetarian but I enjoy eating healthy produce,” he added. 

Community Participation Group Chair of Loughborough in Bloom Mike Jones suggested using spaces in public places such as primary schools that all have land that could be used and encourage the interest of pupils.  

“Incredible Edible Loughborough is one of 40 groups Loughborough in Bloom supports through the RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood initiative,” said Mr Jones.