Over the last 9 years food growing has played a central role in Student Eats, bringing together students and staff across 70 sites to produce nutritious and delicious food. Since 2019, we’ve been focussing our support towards no dig growing methods and are now offering this pilot support package in 2021-22.
 

This technique, pioneered by Charles Dowding who has previously provided training through Student Eats, leaves soil structure intact creating the potential to increase soil carbon, water retention and produce food with higher nutritional benefits. Our 2021/22 pilot programme will work with up to 4 new growing sites to help develop a no-dig system for term-time harvesting. 
 

PRE-REQUISITE OF THE PROGRAMME

You will need to have a suitable growing space with appropriate approvals for its use. 
 

INCLUDED IN THE COSTS

• Half a day on-campus training session covering (please note this half day training is also available as a standalone in our Learning Academy):
  • How to start a no dig growing space 
  • Planning planting
  • Composting systems
  • Seed saving 
  • Volunteer recruitment & retention 
  • Measuring your impact
• Mentoring via monthly 30min video calls to help with challenges including, but not limited to:
  • Growing site development
  • Student leadership and engagement
  • Staying motivated & focused
  • Planning ahead
  • Volunteer succession planning
  • General trouble shooting
• On-campus follow up visit 
• Access to resources including: handover template, volunteer role profile template, seed sowing calendar etc.
• Discounts for equipment where available 
• Two tickets to the annual Student Eats conference
•  Automatic membership of the Student Eats Growing Network.
   

NOT INCLUDED IN THE COSTS

• Funding for capital infrastructure costs to set up a growing place including, but not limited to, compost, tools and any structures
• Site specific planning including, but not limited to, technical drawing
• Any tickets or invitations to Student Eats events offered to you through this programme will not include travel or accommodation costs
• Venue/room costs for training session on campus