LIFESTYLE NEWS - Community food gardens across the Western Cape are helping to strengthen food security while creating opportunities for aspiring small-scale farmers to develop their skills and earn an income.
Five community gardening projects recently showcased their fresh seasonal produce at Shoprite and Checkers stores during a Market Day initiative on Tuesday, 27 October.
The initiative gives community gardeners an opportunity to sell their produce directly to shoppers in a retail environment while gaining valuable experience in marketing and running a small business.
The five participating Western Cape projects were:
- The New World Foundation Eco-Village and Skills Centre at Checkers Muizenberg.
- Grasgroen Vingers at Shoprite Knysna.
- Vulamasango at Shoprite Westgate Mall in Mitchells Plain.
- Mhani Gingi at the Shoprite Group's home office in Brackenfell.
- The Ark at the Shoprite Group's home office in Brackenfell.
The projects form part of more than 320 community food gardens supported by the Shoprite Group across southern Africa through its food security initiatives.
Beyond providing a platform to sell fresh produce, Market Day also offers practical business training. Participants gain experience in product presentation, pricing, customer relations, communication and record-keeping.
Shoprite Group Chief Sustainability Officer Sanjeev Raghubir said the initiative was intended to build confidence among growers while connecting shoppers with the people responsible for producing their food.
Growing food and creating opportunities
One of the participating projects, Vulamasango, is based in the Philippi Horticultural Area and provides housing, education and other support services to orphaned, abandoned and abused children.
Its food garden helps supplement the meals provided through the organisation's feeding scheme. The longer-term goal is to sell surplus vegetables to generate additional income towards maintaining the centre.
Project representative Naddy Magorokosho said Market Day offered an opportunity to showcase the garden's work and build relationships with customers.
The project grows vegetables without synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilisers and hopes that increased customer support will help expand production and generate income.
The Shoprite Group also supports community gardens through its Act for Change programme, which provides assistance in the form of training, seedlings and infrastructure.
The initiative highlights how community gardens can do more than provide fresh food. Photo: Supplied
As part of the programme, the annual Act for Change Food Garden Competition recognises community gardening initiatives and their contribution to food security, environmental sustainability and community development.
Entries are open to community gardens across the country until 15 November 2027. The competition offers collective prizes worth R1 million in support tailored to the needs of participating gardens.
Entry is free, with no data costs, through the Act for Change Food Garden Competition website.
The initiative highlights how community gardens can do more than provide fresh food - they can also create skills, income opportunities and stronger, more self-sufficient communities.
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