Eat Local

LESS is currently developing Off the Ground, a new community food growing project in the Lancaster district. 

The Off the Ground Project aims to improve health, the environment and community cohesion by encouraging and supporting people living and working within the Lancaster district to grow some of their own food.  This will be done through developing a new community allotment site in Lancaster and developing outreach projects with schools and community and voluntary organizations throughout the district.  The community allotment site will be based in the Bulk ward where it aims to address some of the district’s shortfall in allotment provision and reduce inequalities, as 40% of people rank in the most deprived 20% of the population.   The site will include a communal tool store, polytunnels, family garden and display and training area and plots available for rent by residents and community and educational organizations.  Working with the area’s schools, children’s and community centres and supporting local residents to grow food in their own gardens we hope to build a culture of food growing within the area.  The outreach projects will be supported to design, secure resources for and maintain food-growing activities on land owned or managed by households and partner organizations.  Off the Ground will be managed by LESS, a local Community Interest Company, and overseen by a multi-agency advisory group.  The project will be co-ordinated by a team comprising of a project manager and 2 project workers/horticulturalists that will provide expert advice, support and training to build skills, knowledge and confidence to ensure the long-term sustainability of the initiatives.