A PLOT of land behind a Thurnscoe church hall has been transformed into a new community garden to grow supplied for a food pantry.

The unused plot of land, at St Helen’s Church Hall, has been converted thanks to funding from Barnsley Council’s Public Health Innovation Fund.

The garden space is designed to be accessible and welcoming, providing an opportunity for volunteers to grow fresh produce that will directly supply the community pantry located in the church hall, helping people in the Dearne to eat healthily and sustainably.

Coun Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, said: “This initiative is more than just a garden - it’s a symbol of community spirit, joint working and sustainable living.

“By repurposing unused land, the project will help tackle food insecurity, promote healthy eating, and create a hub for local residents and volunteers to come together.

“This project embodies the values at the heart of our Love Where You Live campaign, which is all about getting involved in your community, and working together to build stronger, more connected communities.

“It will make a real difference to local families and strengthen community ties.”

The vicar of St Helen’s, Rev Sarah Maughan, added: “We’re so pleased to see the garden taking shape thanks to the hard work of everyone involved in the project.

“Following the Love Where You Live investment that has made the hall watertight and secure, this fresh funding means we’re able to produce our own fresh food to help the community stay healthy.

“The garden is now ready for volunteers to start planting and growing, and we look forward to seeing it flourish in the months ahead.”