Plant and Share: An Evaluation for Food for Life Get Togethers' Small Grants

Introduction

This report evaluates the Plant and Share small grants offered through the Food for Life Get Togethers (FFLGT) programme. It explores how growing‑focused mini‑grants helped community groups run food and growing activities.

The report is for funders, practitioners and community organisers interested in food, growing and social connection.

Findings

The report found that small grants enabled many groups (often small, local and low‑income organisations) to deliver growing activities that brought people together. Many projects reported increased participation, improved social connections and more access to fresh, low‑cost food.

Groups described benefits for:

• confidence

• wellbeing

• community cohesion

• opportunities for learning new skills

Grant holders also reported practical gains, such as expanding growing spaces, purchasing tools and involving new volunteers.

Activities commonly included:

• planting sessions

• community gardening

• produce sharing

• intergenerational events

• being outdoors to support healthier lifestyles

Overall, small grants provided a valuable boost for groups with limited resources, helping them run meaningful, inclusive growing activities. The programme encouraged continued interest in future community food activities and ongoing engagement.