The project is being supported by the Partnership Council charity, via its Sprout project, which was set up in January 2008 to support environmental projects like Jenny’s.

Jenny is looking for people to get involved in her ‘Abundance’ project and is asking anyone interested to go along to a meeting on Thursday, 17th September at the Partnership Council, 47 Gregory Boulevard, Hyson Green, Nottingham from 7pm.

The ‘Abundance’ project aims to recruit volunteers to help harvest the glut of unpicked local fruit there is in Nottingham, including apples, pears, plums and blackberries. There are many reasons why fruit isn’t picked; for example, because it’s growing by the roadside or on waste ground; or because it’s growing in gardens where people are physically unable to pick it, or don’t like it or simply have too much.

This fruit would then be distributed to community groups and organisations – with the aim of benefiting those who need it most. For example, those working with the homeless could use the fruit to feed people or to make jams, juices and desserts. Similarly, those working with children could use the fruit to encourage healthy eating or to show children how to make simple dishes like apple crumble.

Rachel Wicks from Sprout says:

“We’re very happy to be backing Jenny’s project as I believe it’s a great way of preventing unused fruit and nuts in the city from going to waste, whilst helping those in need and reminding us all to enjoy homegrown food to the full!”

The meeting on the 17th is a chance for local people and community groups to come along and discuss how the ‘Abundance’ harvest could be used.

Rachel concludes:

“There is a thriving ‘Abundance’ project in Sheffield that started about four years ago. I’m confident the idea could work just as well here in Nottingham and I’m really excited about helping to get Jenny’s project off the ground.”

To find out more or to tell Jenny about any unused fruit and nuts in her home area of Forest Fields, Hyson Green, Radford, New Basford, Sherwood Rise and the Arboretum area please contact Jenny on 07947 671182 or email  abundancearea4@googlemail.com

Jenny is also keen to hear from people who’d like to start an ‘Abundance’ project in other areas of Nottingham.

Alternatively please contact Rachel Wicks from Sprout on 0115 970 8200 or email  rachel@partnershipcouncil.co.uk

To find out more about the Partnership Council and Sprout please visit:  http://www.partnershipcouncil.co.uk