The Cambrian Centre is linking up with nearby Manor Road Allotments to boost supplies of fresh fruit and veg to the Reak Junk Food Café, which takes place at the Centre every Wednesday lunchtime. The increasingly popular café provides hot and healthy meals in a welcoming atmosphere at the Centre every Wednesday on a pay-as-you-feel basis.
Centre trustees and supporters have got together with local allotment-holders to build a supply chain of seasonal fruit and vegetables that will minimise food waste and foster community engagement between the two organisations.
Manor Road Allotment committee have set aside a plot at their site beside North Sheen station to grow produce for community use, particularly through the Centre. Chair Bill Collis, who helped launch the scheme, encourages individual plotholders to donate their own surplus fruit and veg.
Pumpkins, courgettes, spinach, rhubarb and apples fresh from the allotment are already entering the café’s cooking pots, supplementing supermarket surplus and enlivening adventurous and nutritious menus.
Plans for winter planting in the community plot are under way and will be guided by the Centre’s requirements. Allotmenteers are invited to visit the café on Wednesdays and familiarise themselves with the Centre’s activities.
Liz Nash 25 October 2023