We have a rich Growing movement in waltham forest

In our borough alone we have over 35 community food-growing projects

Despite this our local authority is ranked 8th in London for community food growing because of council inaction.

There is an enormous appetite to grow food (over 1000 people on council waiting lists) but a lack of support for people to do so.

WHAT IF?

To achieve a Right To Grow in Waltham Forest and extend it to people that could benefit from it most.

who we are

We are a group of residents of Waltham Forest concerned about the crisis of food in our borough and across the city. Food poverty is high, access to nutritious food is limited, and the system that supplies our food is destroying the planet.

What we want

We want to live in a city that nurtures and makes the most of its green spaces to help feed everyone. We believe in a food system that protects and supports our wildlife and nourishes and feeds our communities. We envision a borough that leads the way on a regenerative, localised economy which serves everyone.

There are already countless community groups in the borough already working tirelessly to steward the land and feed people. (See the Waltham Forest Food Growers Network). But this movement needs support.

We want our local authority to match the energy, creativity and passion that exists in our communities. Food is our right, we want the Right to Grow it.

OUR MISSION

Our asks for Waltham Forest Council

Access to unused public land
A process by which community groups and residents can access meanwhile leases to grow food on public land (as well as support accessing land managed by Housing Associations).
A community garden start-up fund
A small start-up fund for new community growing groups to access training, infrastructure and tools.
A community food growing officer
A permanent community food officer role in the council.