Ryder Brow Community Allotment Society (RBCAS) is a voluntary group that provides services for the improvement of social, mental and physical wellbeing for people of the local community.
RBCAS works in the community by hosting hands-on experience of growing organic vegetables and relevant eco-friendly topics. Guided workshops are held on weekdays and volunteering opportunities over the weekends. Practical workshops make a difference because it gives confidence to “grow your own” at home, which helps reducing grocery bills. We recently took part in trialling food redistribution with FareShare, in conjunction with Rafiki Food Network and this Spirit of Manchester funding means we will continue supporting families in need. This funding has helped 20 families including 57 individuals.
Verona* gave us a perspective on how the cost-of-living crisis is affecting her family:
Verona is a widowed single parent with four children and finds it difficult to feed her family. Losing employment affects her financially because food prices are so expensive. “RBCAS has supported my family with food that is part of my culture. They recognise that cultural food makes us feel more at home”.
One aspect of RBCAS ethos is to provide a space that is welcoming and inclusive. Consideration is placed on cultural and special dietary needs of the people we serve. A local independent grocer has helped us sourcing culturally appropriate food at a discounted rate and plans to help us in the future.
The cost-of-living crisis has affected RBCAS by limiting the services we offer due to seasonality. We don’t have a warm space or shelter during inclement weather, so we plan to seek support to acquire a large room for hosting relevant activities.
*Name changed for anonymity.
Report By: Marva Lashley on behalf of Ryder Brow Community Allotment Society
