The SSAW Collective is a community of chefs, florists & growers committed to an ethical way of working with seasonal produce, advocating for positive ecological change in our food, flower & farming systems.
 
We grow flowers & vegetables in harmony with nature , specialising in food & florals for events. 

JOURNAL

Representing creative individuals whose craft, skill and practices are all connected by a commitment to positive change.

17/09/21

LUCY VINCENT

- FOOD BEHIND BARS

The other week I put a set of photos on Instagram of a vast, dilapidated old greenhouse set within some wild and unruly grounds. The whole thing was surrounded by barbed wire fencing which was the only indication of where this imposing greenhouse was actually located - in a prison. It takes up the corner plot of HMP Swinfen Hall, a category C prison in Staffordshire housing over 600 male adult and young offenders. Last year, I visited the prison for the first time - they had asked me and my charity, Food Behind Bars, to set up a food committee in the prison so that the prisoners and the catering team could work more collaboratively on the menus and the food served. My ears pricked up when one of the officers mentioned a barely-used greenhouse on the prison land. Could I see it? Why was it barely being used? And could we use it to grow food?

One and a half, Ardleigh Road,

LONDON N1 4HS

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We specialise in food and flowers. For ethically & ecologically minded consultancy, consciously curated events and / or locally grown seasonal produce, please get in touch.