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]]>Khushboo Balwani: Here’s the problem: The rapid expansion of cities is breaking the relationship that people have with the food ecosystem. Although the problem is receiving attention by some city officials, and they are adopting new sustainability programs and policies, it is a time-consuming, top-down process with an uncertain impact. What if with a bottom-up approach of small, local actions citizens can engage with could have a massive impact? Cities are centers of enormous energy and resources, and, by leveraging connections with friends, families, neighbors, and local community groups, it’s possible to create sustainable and affordable food systems.
Here’s how one organization is working on the problem: Back in 2007, a woman in a small town called Todmorden, in the northern part of England, dug up her prized rose garden. She planted vegetables, knocked down the garden wall, and put up a sign saying, “Help Yourself.”
This small action grew into a movement that has transformed Todmorden into a town in which citizens are reshaping their surroundings. The incredible edible Todmorden movement has turned all the public spaces, from the front yard of a police station to railway stations, into farms filled with edible herbs and vegetables. Locals and tourists pluck fruits and vegetables for free.
This novel idea, which is also called “open-source food,” promises a future with food for all. The project shares a participatory vision of “three plates” — community, education, and business. Schools grow food, businesses donate goods and services, and shops sell planter boxes.
This case study is adapted from our latest book, “Sharing Cities: Activating the Urban Commons.” Get a copy today.
The post Incredible Edible Todmorden gives free access to locally grown food to everyone appeared first on P2P Foundation.
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