Hackney now has 125 Capital Growth food growing sites, more than any other London borough as more and more people in Hackney opt to grow their own food.

The 14 additional sites joining edible playgrounds and community allotments and developments on neglected spaces and derelict land include, Pembury Estate Eastside and Westside E8; London Fields Primary School, E9 and Rhodes Estate Tenants and Residents Association, E9.

Hackney Council has pledged to support food growing projects across the borough to encourage more residents to grow their own food. Hackney Homes also support some of the estate-based projects.

“Growing your own food is a great way to teach your children about healthy eating and it can save you money! If there is a disused open space near you, why not set up a food growing project? Soon you could be eating food you’ve grown yourself.” Says Hackney Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture, Jonathan McShane.

Community and volunteer groups who want to start to grown their own food can put themselves forward to Capital Growth. Capital Growth offers practical help, training and support to groups wanting to establish community food growing projects as well as advice to landowners.

Hackney Council's pledge is part of the Capital Growth campaign - a partnership initiative between London Food Link, the Mayor of London Boris Johnson, and the Big Lottery's Local Food Fund. It is championed by the Chair of the London Food Board Rosie Boycott and aims to create 2012 new community food growing spaces across London by the end of 2012. To find out more or apply for a grant visit www.capitalgrowth.org/apply/ or call 020 7837 1228.

Visit www.hackney.gov.uk/parks-local-food-growing for more information and details on all the sites across Hackney.

Follow them at www.facebook.com/greenerhackney or www.twitter.com/greenerhackney

Picture 171: ISLA ANDERSON~5, IAN WESTMORELAND, KEN ANDERSON (Father of Isla)