2015 saw a continuation in our investment in the Urban Food Routes, this time helping 10 food enterprises in London gain expert advice and funding to help grow their business and support the vibrancy of local communities.

From cheesemakers, to beehives, to pickles and edible flowers, we supported with mentoring from associates within the UK business.

We also supported Audacious Veg, a Community Interest Company growing edible flowers and baby greens whilst supporting members of their local community with training & work placements. 

We also supported Audacious Veg, a Community Interest Company growing edible flowers and baby greens whilst supporting members of their local community with training & work placements. 

One of these enterprises was Barnes & Webb, who rent out beehives in London  to give people local honey and & allow pollination of gardens whilst letting them connect back with nature. 

2014 saw us investing in Urban Food Routes helping 32 food enterprises in London gain expert advice and funding to help grow their business and support the vibrancy of local communities. It’s a unique initiative funded by the Mayor of London and Seeds of Change^®, coordinated by the Plunkett Foundation, with help from Growing Communities and London Food Link.

Our commitment to these enterprises extended far beyond the financial support we’re provided. Seven Seeds of Change Associates - our employees - from all around the world came to London to work closely with these entrepreneurs as part of the Mars Ambassador Programme.

While our Associates were on hand to mentor and advise these businesses, they learnt just as much from the innovation and creativity these enterprises put into action every day.

In the same week that our Associates worked with these small enterprises in London, we celebrated Urban Food Routes with a special event. The New Faces of London Food, hosted by KERB. 

One of the enterprises we supported was Grow Up Urban Farms, who use aquaponic technology to grow salads, herbs and fish to supply local restaurants. Active for just over 18 months at the time, it is now developing London’s first commercial aquaponic farm and demonstrating a sustainable way to produce food in urban environments.

We also supported Global Generation, who uses its Skip Garden in King’s Cross to offer young people an introduction to food growing, production and cooking. Its approach increases awareness of self, community and the natural environment and instils young people with the confidence to generate change in the business and local community.