Felixstowe residents are being encouraged to grow their own this spring with the return of a successful programme offering free growing kits.

Following the success of East Suffolk Council's Field to Fork programme last year when 1,500 growing kits were distributed to primary schools across the district, the scheme is now returning for 2024.

Field to Fork aims to encourage people to try to grow their own food and improve their health and wellbeing in the process.

This year, 1,900 kits will be made available, each one containing compost pellets, seeds and free access to Groundwork East's online GROW Programme.

Those interested in a kit can apply online and kits can then be collected from locations across East Suffolk, including libraries, community hubs and churches over the next four weeks. Priority will be given to those on the existing Field to Fork distribution list and then the kits will be made available to all from Monday 18 March.

carrots

Cllr Sarah Whitelock, East Suffolk's cabinet member for Communities, Leisure and Tourism, said: "We want to help people feel more confident with growing their own fruit and vegetables, which can help save money and help people make healthier food choices.

"The growing kits were well received last year and we are looking forward to seeing everyone's produce as the weather warms up."

Apply for a kit (from today 18 March).

Anyone in need of help completing the application form can contact our Customer Services team on 03330 162000.

Each growing kit is packed in Melton by Realise Futures.

Next month, a small grants scheme will open to support community farms, allotments and gardens to help people get involved with growing their own food. The Field to Fork grant scheme will provide grants of up to £2,000 to help engage local people with 'grow and eat' projects that will feed communities and help people stay active and connected.