Sutton Community Farm in south London has launched a Crowdfunder that will run for six weeks from Monday 20 March, to raise vital funds that will secure the future of the farm and ensure it survives the cost of living crisis.
Based on a beautiful 7-acre site in Wallington, South London, Sutton Community Farm is London’s only community-owned fruit and veg farm – a unique enterprise whose future is now at risk.
Right on my doorstep, the farm has been very close to my heart ever since I worked with its team a few years ago to deliver a Healthy Food Program throughout our local community.
Sutton Community Farm grows over 40 types of fruit and vegetables, and last year the farm produced more than 18 tonnes of food. This is sold via their online farm shop and delivered to homes throughout South London and Surrey.
Working with nature is key to the farm’s core principles: building healthy soils, creating habitats for wildlife, and never using chemicals to grow food. The farm also supports the livelihoods of many other organic farmers through trade, a model that builds a better and more resilient food system for the UK.
Community is at the heart of this farm. Over 70 weekly local volunteers get involved in all farm activities, including volunteers with learning disabilities. Aspiring food growers and farmers can access vital training opportunities in a community setting. Partnerships with local food banks and charities provide a vital source of fresh food to those most in need.
Sutton Community Farm’s vision is being threatened by the cost of living crisis
Sutton Community Farm makes most of its income through selling VegBoxes and other fresh food through its online farm shop. Over the past year, rising costs have created financial uncertainty for this community enterprise.
Times are tough. But well-produced, locally-grown fresh food that is good for people and the planet should not fall victim to the current economic crisis. At the start of the pandemic, the supply chains of the big supermarkets failed, and the demand for local and alternative food businesses soared. Once again, we’ve recently seen empty shelves for fresh food and further projected supermarket shortages that have exposed
the vulnerability of the UK’s food system.
Save Sutton Farm Crowdfunder
Sutton Community Farm is working towards building a better, more resilient food system. This means paying a fair price for good food by directly supporting nature-friendly farmers. Crowdfunding £50,000 will provide financial security until 2024, allowing time to rebuild the farm’s customer base and seek grant funding.
A successful Crowdfunder will secure the future of London’s only community-owned fruit and veg farm!
Watch the video below and visit the farm’s Crowdfunder page for more information on the varied rewards on offer (including workshops and fun experiences on the farm to VegBoxes) and to make a donation to help save Sutton Community Farm.
Visit Sutton Community Farm’s Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
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