Preston food organisation grabs award for work to support communities in lockdown

A local community organisation has been recognised for its work supporting communities in Preston with access to food during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Volunteers at Let’s Grow Preston, a network of community gardens and open spaces in Preston, worked tirelessly to deliver locally grown food to community food hubs throughout the city over the past year.

And their efforts supported struggling families, the elderly, and those who were isolated during the pandemic.

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They were the winners of the 'Best Community-based Organisation' in the 2021 Social Network Prescribing Awards.

The organisation combined its efforts with 33 other food hubs to meet the demands of food supplies and delivered over 2,400 food packages, the equivalent of 570,000 meals, to struggling families.

Annie Wynn, development director at Let’s Grow Preston said: “On the night of the awards ceremony, the award went to us because of the amazing work that we did with the varied and diverse community groups of Preston.

"We all worked together as a team and supported each other and the results were that we were able to do so much more than had we been working independently of each other.

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"Let’s Grow Preston promotes cooperation and not competition. Ultimately, all of the community groups that we work with are unique, with individual identities and different demographics of volunteers and beneficiaries, and while we celebrate our uniqueness, we also work together.

Bulb planting at Ashton Park with Annie Wynn of Let's Grow Preston with Rick WoanBulb planting at Ashton Park with Annie Wynn of Let's Grow Preston with Rick Woan
Bulb planting at Ashton Park with Annie Wynn of Let's Grow Preston with Rick Woan

"I think that this is what makes Preston stand out and it's what makes me proud of Preston.”

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She first became involved with the charity when it was kickstarted back in 2011, after running a community garden at St Michael's church on Egerton Road.

Councillor Nweeda Khan, Cabinet Member for Communities and Social Justice at Preston City Council, said: “I am delighted to hear that Annie Wynn and her team of voulnteers at Let’s Grow Preston have been given this award.

Volunteers maintain community gardens and plant produceVolunteers maintain community gardens and plant produce
Volunteers maintain community gardens and plant produce
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"Their amazing work during the pandemic to support local communities in Preston has been vital for struggling residents and this award goes some way to thanking them for all they do.

“The past year has been a great struggle for many people who have seen their lives turned upside down. But even in the darkest of days Let’s Grow Preston has been a ray of light and kindness for many people.”

The charity relied on extra help and double the number of volunteers to help with the fantastic work around Preston during the past difficult year.

Find out more information on their website.

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