A church in Norwich is partnering with The Big Issue for a pilot project to grow food in marginalised communities.

Big Grow is an urban gardening initiative aimed at transforming public spaces into edible landscapes through growing food.

As part of the project, St George’s Church in Colgate is expanding its existing garden space with four new planters dedicated to food growing. It will bring together church members, the homeless community and local volunteers under the guidance of Big Issue staff. Between April and October 2025, they will meet weekly for two-hour sessions focused on growing, harvesting and enjoying a variety of vegetables, herbs and fruits.

Reverend Annie Blyth from St George’s said:

“We’re delighted to be working with the Big Issue on this project as it builds connections – connecting folk to their food and to nature, and connecting us to each other and building community. That’s wonderful.”

Parveen Bird who is a Big Issue director and also a trustee of the Food Foundation said:

“With rising food prices and limited access to nutritional fruits and vegetables, many in our community face both physical and mental health challenges…

“Big Grow addresses this by bringing together experienced gardeners with those eager to learn, creating a supportive environment where food becomes a tool for positive change.”

More than 13 million people in the UK were in poverty in 2023, according to The Joseph Rowntree Foundation. The Food Foundation said 7.3 million of these were experiencing food insecurity.

A similar project started in Todmorden 15 years ago, known as Incredible Edibles, has been replicated in 30 towns across the UK.