CCF funding helps Loveland grow community, wellbeing and access to local food

We recently visited Finn and Alex at Falmouth Food Co-op to learn more about the incredible work taking place at Loveland, their thriving community space dedicated to connecting people with nature, food and one another.

Over the years, Falmouth Food Co-op has received a total of £109,000 in funding through Cornwall Community Foundation (CCF), including a recent £10,000 grant from the Sedel-Collings FundA sum of money made available for grant making, often with specific criteria/conditions.. This support has enabled the organisation to expand its community programmes and create lasting positive impacts for people across Cornwall.

Creating opportunities for wellbeing and connection

The latest funding has helped deliver a range of outdoor nature and wellbeing sessions at Loveland Market Garden, welcoming community groups and individuals referred through local social prescribing services.

These sessions provide opportunities for people to spend time outdoors, improve their wellbeing and build meaningful connections within their community. Alongside this, Loveland has hosted community cooking sessions and open-kitchen events, helping to reduce winter isolation by bringing volunteers together to cook and share meals with support from local professional chefs.

The project has also provided healthy, free meals for people in need, delivered directly to their homes. Made using fresh, high-quality ingredients, the meals are designed to be nutritious, simple to prepare and accessible to those who may be facing barriers to healthy eating.

A space for learning and growing

Loveland is much more than a market garden – it is a welcoming community space where people of all ages can learn, connect and enjoy nature.

Local schools visit regularly, giving children the opportunity to experience food growing first-hand, learn about the natural environment and gain a greater understanding of where their food comes from. These visits help inspire the next generation to develop a stronger connection with nature and sustainable food production.

Every Saturday, Loveland opens its gates for volunteer days, inviting local people to get involved in planting, growing and harvesting produce. These sessions provide valuable opportunities for learning new skills, meeting others and contributing to a thriving community project.

Building a new relationship between community and food

With support from CCF funding, Falmouth Food Co-op has also launched the FFG Grocery – an innovative online food hub designed to create a new relationship between communities and local food systems.

The collective shopping platform provides access to high-quality food at fair prices while championing the work of small-scale ecological food producers across the region. By connecting consumers directly with local growers and producers, FFG Grocery is helping to strengthen Cornwall’s local food economy and make sustainable, ethically produced food more accessible.

Looking to the future

The work taking place at Loveland demonstrates the powerful impact that community-led initiatives can have on wellbeing, social connection and food security. Through its programmes, volunteer opportunities and innovative food projectsA piece of work that delivers an output., Falmouth Food Co-op continues to create positive change for individuals, families and communities across Cornwall.

We would like to thank Finn and Alex for welcoming us to Loveland and sharing their inspiring vision for a healthier, more connected and sustainable future. We look forward to seeing the continued growth of this remarkable community space.