We are currently recruiting more volunteers to join its two-year project in the borough of Southwark, working with people at risk of food poverty.

The Hirschmann Foundation awarded the national organisation funding to work alongside food banks to develop training programmes and resources for the most vulnerable people experiencing or have experienced food poverty.

The project will target people on low incomes and at risk of food poverty to help them adopt a healthier diet, and combat unhealthy eating that can cause obesity and related health problems. It will offer the opportunity to learn to grow simple, healthy organic food at home or in a community setting. There will also be workshops on cooking on a budget, small-space food growing and cutting down food waste. All courses and support are free.

Garden Organic are recruiting and training 20 volunteer Master Gardeners and 10 Food Buddies to volunteer directly in the community with individual and families.

The Master Gardeners will share a variety of organic growing techniques so people can begin to grow fresh food to supplement their diet and benefit their health and well-being. The charity has more than 20 years’ experience of working with communities, delivering engagement programmes that encourage people to grow more organic fruit and vegetables; most recently running a successful pilot research project alongside food banks in Warwickshire. Food Buddies will encourage residents to try healthier, low cost recipes, try home-grown food and attend workshops.

Garden Organic is now recruiting volunteers to become Southwark Master Gardeners and Food Buddies. All volunteers receive comprehensive training, resources and start-up packs, branded polo-shirts, insurance and out-of-pocket expenses.

Master Gardeners need a minimum of two years’ experience of food growing and a passion to share their knowledge with new food growers. They need to live in or near to Southwark. Food Buddies should be healthy eating enthusiasts who enjoy cooking and meeting people.

Training for the Master Gardener volunteers is on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd April. Food Buddies will also be trained in spring.

If you would like to find out more, please contact Liza Scholefield, Regional Coordinator, at lscholefield@gardenorganic.org.uk