A SHORTAGE of fresh fruit and vegetables from Europe’s agricultural industry seems a world away from a North-East community growing their own produce.

An initiative organised to give green-fingered Teessider’s a chance to learn how to grow and cook vegetables and eat healthily on a budget is bypassing the struggle to yield staple foodstuffs on the continent.

Groundwork North-East and Cumbria’s Street Eats project in Middlesbrough has seen participants receive training to produce their own groceries, from potatoes and carrots to strawberries and gooseberries.

Those taking part are also handed tools, materials, plants and seeds to make sure their Street Eats are a success.

Laura Ince-Henry, Street Eats project officer, said: “Street Eats aims to ensure that everyone has access to fresh fruit and vegetables, and knows how to make the most of them with delicious, easy to cook recipes.

“You don’t need to have a garden or allotment to take part, if you have a windowsill or a back yard you can grow delicious and healthy herbs, fruit and vegetables.

“Even if you don’t a space to use, you can skill come along and learn the skills, which will stand you in good stead for the future, plus we share what we grow with participants with the rest sold locally or given to foodbanks.”

For more information on Street Eats or to join the project, contact Ms Ince-Henry by calling 01642-815663 or email laura.ince-henry@groundwork.org.uk for an expression of interest form.