Moray Foodbank were awarded £4,000 and developed a cooking and cultivating project with residents at The Royal emergency homeless accommodation.

Local group Forres in Bloom supported the residents to plan the garden. Potatoes were planted in boxes, raised beds were created and veggie patches sown. Moray Foodbank delivered twice weekly sessions and residents weeded, watered and planted daily. Inspired by a visit to local charity, ReBoot, the residents built wooden pallet furniture. The new outdoor social area was well used with residents coming together and pooling resources to have communal barbeques. 

Once produce started growing, regular cooking sessions using garden fresh fruit and vegetables began. Residents tried new things, created meals from scratch and enjoyed the social aspect of eating together.

The biggest project success for residents, previously isolated in their own rooms, was providing a garden to meet and work together. Many noted improvements in mental health, reduction in drug and alcohol use, or an increase in wellness due to the physical activity and healthier eating.

“The support with the garden project is great, it really brings us together and makes it more social, I feel if I am struggling, I don’t feel so alone now.”

- Resident

“It’s hard to stop taking drugs or drink when there’s nothing else for us to do. We are stuck here with no money, at least now we have our garden and cook together more. It has changed the atmosphere and a much more positive vibe about the place.”

- Resident

Key Facts
Location: Forres
Project type: Food growing
Funding: £4,000
Grantee: Moray Foodbank
Website: www.morayfoodbank.org.uk

View the printable pdf Moray Foodbank Growing and Cooking Skills

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