A COLLECTION of charity groups have come together in Wiveliscombe to provide sustainable food and gardening projects for the local community. Wivey Cares is a charity who’s aim is to connect those in need of, care assistance, companionship and provision of food.

The Wivey food project and Wivey Grows have joined under this umbrella to deliver sustainable food and community gardens for everyone in Wiveliscombe and surrounding areas.

Kate Benson Chair of the Wivey Grows and Wivey Food Project Said: “We produce around 400-500 meals a week for local families and the elderly on a pay as you feel basis

“The food project and Wivey grows is the most amazing project for the local community,

“a lot of the food that we get donated from local shops is destined for landfill.

“And we have made 42,000 meals during our time of operation.”

Kate continued: “once a week, our teams of volunteers are busy in the kitchen, cooking up delicious hearty soups and hundreds of batches of frozen meals, before heading out to deliver around the community.”

The food project has also proved a vital service for Ukrainian refugees who have recently moved to the area.

Kate said “volunteer drivers take food out to a freezer situated in St Andrew’s church, many Ukrainians come to the church for food as they find the cost of living in the UK hard”

Kate Benson is also the Chair of the Community gardening group Wivey Grows which is a local project set up to enable people to grow food together.

The project has negotiated the use of land at Langley House which has 11 acres of land in which Wivey Grows can grow.

Kate said: “we will be regenerating a local space with and emphasis on a balance with nature.

“There are meadows to enjoy, flower and vegetable patches to build, a lake to explore, an orchard to re-establish, a sensory garden to bring back to life and trees & willow in abundance for green woodwork.

“All will be welcome to come and dig, build, plant, eat, share and learn alongside a regular group of gardeners who will be facilitating the regeneration of this incredible space.

“From individuals to families, community groups, to forest schools, there will be something for everyone.”

The project also launched a new event aimed at providing gardening and cooking lessons to local Ukrainians who have just moved to the area.