Growing for Oldham

The council's gardeners have been busy growing vegetables for the community

Over the last few weeks Oldham Council staff – and those from our partner organisations – have been going the extra mile to help some of the borough's most vulnerable residents.

Due to the Coronavirus they've had to change and adapt services so they can support the communities when they need their help the most.

Unfortunately, the impact of the pandemic has meant some residents now have less money to buy essentials, including fresh food to feed their families.

In response the council's gardeners, who would normally be out brightening up the borough, have been busy growing vegetables – including potatoes, tomatoes, kale, peppers, cucumbers, peas, and courgettes.

Growing is going well and the first crop should hopefully be ready to pick by the start of June. Then they'll be able to send out between 10 to 20 vegetable boxes that week to families who have been identified as being in need.

Over the summer months the number of healthy food boxes being sent out from the park will rise to around 60. 

Councillor Ateeque Ur Rehman, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “At this time of year, traditionally our teams would be out planting flowers and making sure the borough looks it’s best.

“However, these are unprecedented and fast-moving times and we’ve had to adapt the way we work so we can support our communities.

“It’s vital that people continue to look after themselves and eat healthily, and through this growing we are doing our bit to help out some of our most vulnerable residents.

“This is another great example of how the council and our staff are adapting and helping residents during this crisis.”

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