Young people are set to reap the benefits of £100,000 sown for apprenticeships with local food producer Organiclea.

The scheme means that there will be more employment opportunities in the borough in a field that not many people get a proper introduction to – food production.

The money, obtained from the City Bridge Trust, will be used to reduce the numbers of young people aged between 16 and 24 who are not in employment, education or training.

Marlene Barrett, a project worker at Organiclea, said: “It’s really exciting and we’re really pleased to be supporting people getting into areas of food work and enterprise that often don’t have a lot of support or good career training.

“The programme is about supporting young people to get into the local food economy, with the money going towards initiatives including paid and unpaid work experience, mentoring and business start-up grants.

Councillor Clyde Loakes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Growing your own food has a number of benefits.

“The cost of food has gone up sharply recently, so it can save you money. It can also improve your diet and nutrition by encouraging you to eat more fresh produce, and it can provide physical and leisure activities for you and your family.”

Ms Barrett added: “I think what will be really nice about it is that the young people involved will work alongside a whole range of people of different ages and backgrounds.

“Hopefully it gives them the opportunity to get into something they really enjoy, and to develop some initiative and get some enjoyment out of it.”

The council recently announced a ten-point action plan to encourage more residents to grow their own food.

The aim is to become the urban food growing borough of London, with plans to create over 100 plots for food growing, and further work with Registered Social Landlords, community groups and residents to create even more plots.

Organiclea is a workers’ cooperative that produces and distributes food and plants locally, as well as supporting others to do the same, while promoting a just and sustainable society.

To find out more or register for Waltham Forest Food Growing then email Waltham Forest Direct at wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk or call 020 8496 3000.