The Orchard Project has become an OXO 1% for the Planet® nonprofit partner.
We were chosen to be part of this select group of just 20 organisations across the globe due to our clear focus on creating sustainable food systems.
The $40,000 OXO grant will go towards our vision that everyone in UK cities is within reach of a well-cared for community orchard. As part of this, we will create, restore and support 100 more urban community orchards across the UK, connecting people to nature and community, and improving food systems and access to food education.
Our work focuses on people and communities within urban areas with high deprivation and poor access to greenspace, mainly in the following UK areas: Greater London, Greater Manchester, Edinburgh and Lothians, Glasgow & Strathclyde, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.
We will work with approximately 5,000 beneficiaries from diverse backgrounds over this coming period, prioritising people who are marginalised and in greatest need. This includes the unemployed, people with mental health problems, prisoners, and those with visible or hidden disability.
Among the activities undertaken will be practical conservation work that promotes orchard biodiversity and climate change resilience, wellbeing sessions, orchard skills training and community celebrations such as harvest and apple days and wassails.
About OXO
OXO is an award-winning consumer brand from the Home and Outdoor business segment of Helen of Troy Limited. In 2020, OXO partnered with 1% for the Planet®, a global community of brands giving back to environmental nonprofits driving positive impact.
OXO commits 1% of annual sales to select nonprofit organizations, and since joining 1% for the Planet, has provided millions of dollars in funds and resources to groups that are addressing some of the most pressing environmental issues to date.