Executive Summary

This proposal outlines a replicable community-focused initiative that uses microgreens as a foundation for fostering food security, community engagement, and mutual support. 

The programme combines training, equipment provision, and local outreach to empower diverse demographics, support low-income families, and create sustainable food systems. 

By creating a network of community centres as hubs for training, growing, and distributing microgreens, this initiative encourages participation, sustainability, and continued support for those in need. 

The programme’s unique “buy-it-on” system allows people to contribute extra greens, ensuring affordable access for all while increasing engagement with local community centres.

Engagement is through local community centres that are used to provide training and function as pick up points for charitably free and pre-purchased fresh microgreens.

By empowering volunteers through training, providing affordable equipment, and offering microgreens at near-cost prices – the same as supermarkets, this initiative fosters a culture of community and mutual support.

This initiative leverages:

• Accessible Training: Simple, cost-effective training for growing microgreens.
• Community Hubs: Central locations for learning, growing, and distributing microgreens.
• Social and Economic Support: Tailored solutions for different demographics

a) people who want to grow microgreens for themselves and their family

b) a + people who want to volunteer to teach

c) a + people who want to grow to provide for the wider community altruistically

d) a + people who want to sell professionally

e) a + b + c + d

• Replicability: A “cookie-cutter” model for scaling the initiative in other regions.
• Social Media Appeal: Visual and emotional content to promote environmental sustainability, food security, and wellbeing.

Vision, Mission, Deployment

Vision: To create a scalable, community-based food system centred on microgreens, promoting environmental sustainability, social equity, and local economic growth.

Mission: To empower individuals and communities to grow their own food, teach others, and build a sustainable supply network that supports healthy, affordable eating.

Deployment: Develop a small, simple, and replicable solution that is systemised with clear, structured procedures. This model will serve as a “cookie-cutter” template that can be efficiently rolled out across the nation, fostering a network of connected, self-sustaining hubs—spreading growth, knowledge, and empowerment like a positive, friendly wave of change.

Key Objectives

1. 1. Empower Communities Through Education:
      • Offer affordable training courses in microgreen in community centres.
      • Utilise community centres as collection and distribution points.
      • Provide online and in-person resources for ongoing learning and support.
   2. Foster Local Food Security:
      • Equip low-income families with the tools and knowledge to grow small-scale microgreens at home.
      • Establish supply hubs for bulk purchases and affordable distribution.
      • Establish a “buy-it-on” system where extra greens are shared with those in need.
      •  
   3. Create Economic Opportunities:
      • Train participants to set up small businesses in microgreens cultivation and sales.
      • Encourage volunteering to exchange labour for skills and resources.
   4. Promote Sustainability and Wellbeing:
      • Advocate for environmental benefits through compostable materials and local food production.
      • Introduce advanced courses on mushroom cultivation and pet food production.
   5. Demonstrate further sustainability:
      • Encourage composting of spent medium. 
      • Use the spent substrate for pets and livestock feed (chickens, goats, etc)

Programme Components

1. Community Training Hubs

• Purpose: Serve as local centres for learning, growing, and distribution.
• Requirements: Large room, basic equipment, such as trays, coir, seeds, water spray bottles.
• Activities:
  • Weekly courses for different skill levels.
  • Community outreach initiatives to low-income areas.
  • Collection and distribution of surplus greens through the “buy-it-on” system.
  • Workshops on “micro”-microgreen-business setup and management.
  • Support to set up distribution networks via the community centres.

2. Affordable Growing Kits

• Components:
  • Recycled trays or reusable Garland trays.
  • Coco coir as a sustainable growing medium.
  • Quality seeds suitable for microgreens.
• Accessibility: Offer kits at a low cost, ensuring affordability for all participants.

3. “Buy-It-On” System

• How it Works:
  • Participants who purchase microgreens are encouraged to “buy-it-on” by contributing extra greens for others.
  • These greens are collected at the community centre and distributed to families or individuals in need.
• Impact:
  • Builds a sense of shared responsibility and community connection.
  • Ensures access to fresh, nutritious greens for low-income households.

4. Online and In-Person Training

• Offerings:
  • Hands-on workshops at community centres.
  • Video tutorials and written guides to support learning.
• Topics:
  • Basics of microgreen growing.
  • Advanced growing techniques (e.g., other varieties, bulk grow alternative mediums).
  • Sustainable practices and composting.

5. Sustainable Practices

• Promote the use of compostable materials, such as coco coir.
• Encourage recycling of used trays and mediums to reduce waste.
• Teach participants to compost leftover greens and roots.

6. Scaleable Template

• Features:
  • Easily replicable structure with clear guidelines.
  • Low cost of entry to grow in the pennies.
  • Simple setup for professional growing under £500.
  • Cookie-cutter model for launching in new areas.

Implementation Strategy

1. 1. Phase 1: Pilot Programme
      • Identify and set up the first community hub.
      • Deliver initial training to a core group of volunteers.
      • Monitor feedback and adapt (AGILE)
      • Begin outreach to nearby communities.
   2. Phase 2: Expansion
      • Establish additional hubs in surrounding areas.
      • Expand training, online training media, and supplies available.
      • Create a social media strategy to increase awareness and participation.
   3. Phase 3: Replication
      • Develop detailed documentation for replicating the programme.
      • Partner with other regions to implement the model.

• Phase 4: Product development

1. • Microgreens for pets
   • Mushroom cultivation: oysters for vitamin d, lion’s mane for cognitive function.
   • Hydroponics, straw or other waste material substrate usage, advanced growing techniques, microgreen micro business entrepreneurship training.

Funding and Investment

• Initial Investment for Training Hubs:
  • Room rental: 
  • Starter equipment (trays, seeds, coir):
  • Marketing and materials:
  • Staff/volunteers

Marketing Strategy

1. Social Media Campaign:
   • The training events are social media dynamite
   • Microgreens are social media dynamite
   • Highlight visual and emotional benefits (community, wellbeing, sustainability)
   • Share the “buy-it-on” ideology and community impact.
   • Share success stories of participants and their impact on local food security.
2. Community Outreach:
   • Partner with local schools, charities, and community organisations.
   • Use events to showcase the programme and recruit participants.
3. Networking:
   • Collaborate with local businesses, including restaurants and markets, to create supply chains for surplus microgreens.
   • Work with local food banks to identify families in need.
   • Partner with businesses to secure donations or discounts on supplies.

Outcomes and Benefits

1. Social Impact:
   • Reduced isolation and improved mental health through community engagement.
   • Empowered families with greater control over their food sources.
2. Economic Impact:
   • New small businesses and income opportunities.
   • Affordable access to nutritious food for low-income families.
3. Environmental Impact:
   • Reduction in food miles and packaging waste.
   • Increased use of compostable materials.

Conclusion

The Community Microgreens Initiative leverages local resources and shared responsibility to address food security, promote sustainability, and strengthen community ties.

By turning community centres into hubs for learning, growing, and giving, this programme creates a sustainable, replicable model for local food systems.

With the support of East Lothian Business Gateway, this initiative can flourish, bringing meaningful change to the region and beyond.