![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/reading-college-students-grow-fruit-and-vegetables-for-foodbanks/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/127287459_fruity4.jpg&description=Image caption, Reading College students are helping to create an allotment on site and produce will be donated to the communityStudents have started to grow fruit and vegetables in their college garden to help those in need. Reading College has joined forces with charity Freely Fruity to create an allotment on site. The allotment produce will then be used to help students who cannot afford lunches, as well as being donated to foodbanks. The scheme is part of an ongoing mission by the charity to encourage people to grow their own food. Image caption, The produce from the allotment will be used in the college and donated to foodbanksFreely Fruity was created during the coronavirus pandemic, growing fruit and vegetables for keyworkers with limited time or funds to buy fresh produce. The organisation has since evolved and the Reading College site is the second community allotment to be created, with more in the pipeline.Media caption, Volunteers at Freely Fruity provide food for their community Matt Knight, charity co-founder, said the reason for expanding was partly because demand was outstripping supply at the original site and also to help educate people.He said: "We did two-and-a half tonnes [of food], which was an amazing job. "But going forwards, ideally we need to get as many of these projects going as we can so that the community learn to grow their own food."Teaching them how to do that themselves, we can become more sustainable."Image caption, Students with learning difficulties will work on the allotment to gain new skills and work experienceNow known as the Market Garden, college students will be encouraged to volunteer, while those with learning difficulties can also use it as an opportunity for work experience. Lecturer Elle Shear said: "It's not just the skills that they're gaining, but also giving back. It really does mean something to them."The scheme has also gained support from ex-pupil and actor Winston Ellis, who visited students to lend a hand. Ima){kind=link}
Students have started to grow fruit and vegetables in their college garden to help those in need.
Reading College has joined forces with charity Freely Fruity to create an allotment on site.
The allotment produce will then be used to help students who cannot afford lunches, as well as being donated to foodbanks.
The scheme is part of an ongoing mission by the charity to encourage people to grow their own food.
Freely Fruity was created during the coronavirus pandemic, growing fruit and vegetables for keyworkers with limited time or funds to buy fresh produce.