Chris Maughan & Laura Buchanan named as West Midlands Local Food Heroes
Warwick students Chris Maughan and Laura Buchanan were named as the West Midlands Local Food Heroes 2013, as part of an initiative run by Local Food, a £59.8m scheme that distributes grants from the Big Lottery Fund to projects helping to make locally grown food accessible and affordable to communities.
Chris and Laura were nominated for the award by a fellow member of the Allotment Society and senior research technician at the School of Life Science, Carla Sarrouy, for their outstanding contribution to the Allotment Society and food-growing in general.
Carla said:
Chris and Laura have been amazing at managing the Allotment Society of the University of Warwick. A great team, they are always on the plot working hard to make it look great and produce tasty food, and have organised the installation of a shed and polytunnel and the planting of fruit trees, as well as promoting interaction and social activities. They are an inspiration to other members of the society, leading by example and dedication, and we are thrilled to see them recognised as Local Food Heroes.”
Speaking about the allotment on campus, Laura said:
I gained a passion for growing after volunteering on organic farms in the UK and abroad which opened by eyes to the importance of local and sustainable food growing. I think the allotment is a beautiful, tranquil place which can also be used by students to relax and make friends which is also important.”
Last year, the Allotment Society began selling its produce at Warwick University food cooperative stalls every Tuesday.