A Sheffield-based food organisation has taken over operation of the historic Glasshouses in a bid to
transform how local communities grow and access food.
Food Works, a social enterprise committed to up-cycling surplus produce and empowering local
food growing, has launched a major urban agriculture initiative from the newly reopened facility.
The Glasshouses will now serve as a vibrant growing hub for local schools, community groups and
sustainability researchers.
All natural produce grown on site will go straight back into the community through Food Works’
network of cafés, food markets, and ready meals. In addition, the group distributes seedlings and
plants to schools and community groups to support sustainable food-growing efforts across
Sheffield.
Currently, Food Works is helping 34 local schools grow their own fresh produce, while also
supplying plants to a national initiative that supports a further 60 schools.
“We believe in a food system that works for everyone – not just in the short term, but for future
generations,” said a Food Works spokesperson. “Taking on the Glasshouses lets us scale up our
mission while keeping it rooted in the local community.”
In partnership with the University of Sheffield, the Glasshouses are also now being used for
innovative research into climate-resilient crops and new sustainable growing techniques. Scientists
hope the site will become a testbed for exploring the future of food in changing environmental
conditions.
Food Works plans to run public workshops and skills sessions from the Glasshouses, giving
residents across Sheffield a chance to learn how to grow their own food, whether on a windowsill or
in a community allotment.
Interested in getting involved?
Community groups and schools can email info@thefoodworks.org for growing support or to
volunteer at the Glasshouses.