GREEN-FINGERED locals got their first glimpse of a new initiative to turn growing fruit and vegetables into business at a launch event last month.
Get Oldham Growing (GOG) was unveiled at the Civic Hall in Uppermill and the event included special guests, presentations and information sharing.
Guests found out more about The Local Food Economy – growing food, the food supply chain, education and training, social enterprise and business.
And a team of experts gave help and advice on the positive impact GOG can have, from health diet and exercise to strengthening local communities and developing skills and enterprise.
Susan Dearden, Oldham’s deputy Cabinet member for social care and public health said: “The key factors in ill health are poverty, unemployment, inactivity, loneliness and poor diet.
“GOG tackles all this. Getting out in fresh air with friends and neighbours, growing fresh food, training for jobs in the food industry and setting up social enterprises. 
“We have some really keen community groups and housing associations who are planning community orchards and allotments.
“Our council have a commitment to regenerating our town centre and there will be fresh food markets. There are lots of opportunities and we are linked with Get Oldham Working as investment in our future.”
Earlier, Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Public Health, said: “This scheme is a prime example of how working together achieves far more than we otherwise could.
“We’ll see businesses, community groups and residents working cooperatively alongside the council on the initiative which will become a virtuous loop for all involved.
“I urge anyone who is interested in growing-their-own and getting to know their community better to join for a taste of what we’ve got in store.”
For more information on Get Oldham Growing, visit their new website: www.getoldhamgrowing.co.uk or email Julie Holt at: Julie.holt@oldham.gov.uk or call 0161 770 848.
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