Pennine Cropshare Receives £28,000 Grant
Tuesday 21 January 2025
Hebden Bridge based Pennine Cropshare, a local not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supplying sustainable organic vegetables, fruit, eggs, and bread to collection points across the Calder Valley, has been awarded a £28,000 grant from the UK Government through the West Yorkshire Rural England Prosperity Fund, part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This funding will enable the organisation to create new jobs and expand its operations throughout Calderdale.
L to R: Melanie Louise, Barbara Burns, Danielle Bowers, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Neill Fishman, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Jenny Slaughter, Fiona Hesselden, Ffion Atkinson
The organisation, which works closely with local small-scale growers and ethical food traders, plans to use the grant to create two new job roles, enhance its vegetable packing and distribution unit in Hebden Bridge, and purchase a new electric delivery van. These investments will help Pennine Cropshare streamline its operations, expand its services, and increase the sustainability of its delivery system.
Jenny Slaughter, Director of Pennine Cropshare, said, "We are thrilled to receive this £28,000 grant, which will allow us to make significant improvements to our business. With this funding, we can create new job opportunities, support small local farmers and growers, and continue to provide affordable, organic produce to the community. We are committed to maintaining competitive prices while making sure that our operations are more efficient and sustainable."
"In addition to expanding its collection points in Halifax and the Worth Valley, Pennine Cropshare also plans to invest in food education and upskilling opportunities for local residents, particularly those who rely on food banks. The organisation has also signed up to the West Yorkshire Fair Work Charter, demonstrating its commitment to fair employment practices and supporting the local community.
"We are especially pleased to have the opportunity to partner with organisations that provide horticultural training in agroecological standards for organic food production," Slaughter added. "This grant helps us further our mission to support both local growers and disadvantaged residents, creating a positive social impact across the region.
"Pennine Cropshare is grateful for the support from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority in securing this funding. Without the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the organisation would not have been able to make such a large investment in its future growth. To find out more, visit www.penninecropshare.co.uk"