Middlesbrough Town Meal event serves food from (From The Northern Echo)

Middlesbrough Town Meal event serves food from

8:55am Monday 28th September 2009 in

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KEEN gardeners served up more than 2,000 meals to people using their own produce.

Residents across Middlesbrough have been growing fruit and vegetables as part of a multi-million pound healthy living project.

They all came together to make meals for the Middlesbrough Town Meal event on Saturday.

Since March, gardeners have been growing produce as part of the town’s Urban Farming Project.

The resulting harvest was cooked in a free food giveaway in the town’s Centre Square.

Families also enjoyed cookery demonstrations, craft stalls, activities and entertainment.

There was also a farmers’ market and a chance for people to learn gardening tips.

The event was attended by thousands of people – underlining the increasing popularity of growing food during the recession.

Middlesbrough councillor Brenda Thompson said: “It was a fabulous day. The weather was great and it could not have gone better.

“There were loads of people.

We made over 2,000 meals using produce which had all been grown in Middlesbrough.

“Everyone had so much fun. It is such a fabulous event to hold. There were all sorts of tents and stalls, and wonderful music.

“So many people had taken the effort to get involved, and it really paid off.

“There was something for everybody. What a success. I am so thrilled with how it went. People are already talking about next year.

“Centre Square was the perfect location for this event. It really lent itself to the occasion.”

Live entertainment included a brass band, street dancers and the Marske Fisherman’s Choir. The event was part of the Healthy Town initiative – a nationwide initiative that is spending £9m in Middlesbrough to tackle obesity through increasing physical activity and promoting healthy eating.

There was a tent at Saturday’s event in Centre Square providing health checks and advice for visitors.

The event was cancelled last year because of bad weather.