Like an Airbnb for vegetable patches, London-based AllotMe makes it easier for the average person to access space for growing their own fruit and vegetables. Homeowners set a fee of at least GBP 5 per month, of which AllotMe takes a small cut. As Gallagher pointed out in an interview with BBC Radio Ulster, similar initiatives were launched in the past but fizzled out because they lacked funding to scale up and meet demand, and to keep a platform running.
Meanwhile, in South Los Angeles, Crop Swap LA is taking a different approach to growing food in private gardens. The social enterprise opened its first microfarm in April, and has plans to add many more. Each will grow enough vegetables to feed 50 families who subscribe to a USD 36/week box. As reported by Fast Company, the plan is to use front yards in LA neighborhoods without easy access to large supermarkets. In return, homeowners will receive a share of produce and profits.
Both concepts are straightforward, yet tap into powerful trends as consumers seek out local food and a more sustainable lifestyle, embrace gardening as a promoter of mental and physical health, and readily share resources with strangers.
