Goonown Growers CIC in St Agnes have received £1,000 from the Co-operative Bank Customer Donation Fund. 

The cash injection will be used to build an eco-friendly dry barn which will provide a place to both store and share food. 

Run by a small permanent team who are helped by volunteers, Goonown Growers’ fresh produce is sold at a local farmers market and through vegetable boxes which are delivered to households within the community.  

One of the group’s key aims is to ensure that people can access affordable organic food, particularly during the cost-of-living crisis.  

It also provides a welcoming space for people to come together every Friday to volunteer and make new connections around a free communally-cooked meal.  

By offering these volunteering sessions, Goonown Growers aim to combat isolation and loneliness in rural Cornish communities, while also providing local people with horticultural therapy as a way to enhance mental wellbeing.  

Co-founder Ed Sweetman said: “The money we have received from the Co-operative Bank Customer Donation Fund has been crucial in enabling us to build a barn for storing and sharing food. 

“The barn will be essential for us in creating a space that enables us to bring people together and support those who may be struggling with their mental health. It will also be a place that can be used by other local groups, and we believe it will add a great deal to our community.” 

Applications for next year’s fund are now invited from charities and community groups holding a Community Directplus account. 

Amelia Burnett, SME Product Manager at The Co-operative Bank, said: “Supporting our customers, particularly smaller charities and community projects, has never been more important.  

“We are proud to have been able to provide these grants to projects across the UK that are positively impacting communities, at a time when many people are facing cost-of-living challenges.” 

For further information, visit www.co-operativebank.co.uk