Cheltenham is Growing, a group who grows fruit and vegetables for disadvantaged people in Cheltenham, has delivered its largest harvest ever – delivering 230 kg of produce to local foodbanks and kitchens so far this year.
At the same point last year (during National Allotment Week) the group had delivered 85 kg to people in need. The group has increased its annual yield by 500 % since it began in 2023 and plans to grow 3,000 kg of fresh food for Cheltenham’s communities during 2026.
Cheltenham is Growing provides fresh food for locals who struggle to afford to eat healthily by growing fruit and vegetables on disused allotments, waste ground and community-owned land. They deliver to food banks, pantries and community kitchens across Cheltenham.
John Evans, founder of the group said: “It’s brilliant news we’ve hit our bumper harvest milestone – particularly as this week is National Allotment Week. We want to help make Cheltenham more resistant to global food supply issues and narrow the health gap in the town by growing and delivering food locally to people who need it most – and the more fruit and veg we can grow and harvest the quicker we can meet these goals!”
He continued ” As these figures show, we’re doing really well, but we’re ambitious and are always on the look-out for additional land to grow on, and more volunteers to help out with gardening, harvesting and delivering.
Marc Davies, Head Chef at Cheltenham Open Door said: “Our guests don’t have many opportunities to eat healthily but with the help of Cheltenham is Growing, and other suppliers, we are able to provide regular, delicious healthy meals – a vital resource for people who are often experiencing difficulties including homelessness, mental health problems and isolation. We love receiving our weekly delivery– there’s such variety and the vegetables are delivered on the same day they’re dug up. You can’t get much fresher than that.”
Cheltenham is Growing currently has plots at Ryeworth allotments in Charlton Kings, behind the old St Mark’s and Hester’s Way Community Centre, and at St Aidans community space. The group uses ‘ no dig’ principles.
Lois Parker, a local artist and new volunteer at Cheltenham is Growing’s St Mark’s plot commented: “I’m really happy we’re doing so well with our harvests – it gives me a sense of achievement. Volunteering with Cheltenham is Growing suits me brilliantly because it’s very flexible. I live locally and can pop down to the plot for 20 minutes to do a bit of weeding or watering or stay longer if I want to – it fits around my life and energy levels. I’ve also learnt a lot about growing vegetables. You don’t have to have experience to volunteer, anyone can give it a whirl.”
As well as growing food, the group also helps set up and support community gardens, and provides ‘hands-on’ advice through talks and outreach to local schools, businesses and old people’s homes.
If people are interested in helping Cheltenham is Growing meet its targets by volunteering or providing land please contact cheltenhamisgrowing@gmail.com.