What better way to celebrate the first blooms of spring than with the launch of a new Big Issue initiative? Big Grow is an innovative urban gardening project aimed at empowering marginalised communities through growing food, made possible thanks to a generous grant from Norwich City Council.
Transforming public spaces into edible landscapes by teaching valuable skills, Big Grow begins with a pilot project at St George Church in Colgate, Norwich.
“With rising food prices and limited access to nutritional fruits and vegetables, many in our community face both physical and mental health challenges,” said Parveen Bird, director at Big Issue and trustee of the Food Foundation. “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.”
The project draws inspiration from the Incredible Edibles program in Todmorden, where public edible landscapes have thrived for 15 years. Similar projects have been replicated in 30 towns across the UK.
St George Church will expand its existing garden space with four new planters dedicated to growing nutritious food, made and donated by the Matthew Project in Norwich.
The project 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.
