Impact Report - MK Community Foundation - Report - Page 17
“I love seeing the improvements
we’ve made this year - the
changes we’ve made in the
garden with the creation of our
leaf bin and compost bays are
so positive, we’re all secretly
smiling at how good it feels”
14
“This is our only chance
to garden as we have no
outdoor space. We see this
as our chance to be gardeners
in our retirement.”
Growing Fresh Food and
Creating a Lasting Impact
with Stony Stratford in Bloom
Stony Stratford in Bloom is a
passionate volunteer group
bringing sustainability and
community spirit to life through
gardening. For 15 years, it has
nurtured the town’s public
昀氀ower beds, wildlife habitats,
and pond areas, while also
inspiring local schoolchildren
to get their hands dirty and
connect with nature. One of
its most impactful projects is
the community garden, where
fruit and vegetables are grown
and donated to the King’s
Community Centre food bank
in Wolverton, supporting
around 25 families.
Since COVID-19, the group has put even more
focus on growing fresh produce for those in need,
even adding special seasonal treats at Christmas.
With big ambitions to do more, Stony Stratford
in Bloom needed funding to turn garden waste
into compost, expand its growing areas, and
improve access to fruit trees. Thanks to the
Cost of Living Grant, and Thrive Give Fund
grant through MK Community Foundation, the
group can now grow even more food, support
more families, and encourage greener, more
sustainable gardening. It has also introduced
food bank users to cooking with fresh ingredients,
helping to encourage healthier eating habits.
The project’s impact has been so signi昀椀cant that
it was recognised with two RHS Regional Britain
in Bloom Gold Awards, proof of what can be
achieved when a community comes together
to grow, nurture, and give back.
Volunteer
Funders:
Cost of Living Fund
Thrive Give Fund
110
people received
free fresh food
Vital Signs Area:
Disadvantage and
Poverty
MK COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | 16
