It may seem odd to talk about benefits from the current economic downturn, but there is an argument that it is altering everyone’s attitude towards food waste for the better.

Two separate schemes are highlighted in the Telegraph & Argus today encouraging people to grow their own food.

Making ourselves more self-sufficient is in everyone’s interest, particularly when purse strings are so tight.

The Sustainable Saltaire Project is showing how every available piece of land, however small, can be used to cultivate produce.

It is a commendable attitude towards produce, encouraging everyone to use disused public land to plant fruit and vegetables.

And the Holme Christian Community is applying a similar principle to the problem of families on the breadline needing the help of organisations like food banks.

Their food bank, the King’s Pantry, is looking at setting up its own vegetable patch in the grounds of Holme Christian Church.

Families are also being encouraged to grow produce on any patch of land available.

The huge waiting lists for allotments in the Bradford district are further evidence of the importance of using anywhere possible to ‘grow your own’.

No one would pretend this is anything like a complete solution to the increasing demand for food handouts, but it is something positive that can be done to ease the difficulties.

And it is also encouraging everyone to take a closer look at the food they need and whether they can cultivate their own produce, and to develop new skills.

That, ultimately, is not only good for the pocket, but it could also benefit the environment in the long term.