It’s been eight months since the launch of the Food Gardens Connect programme. The project is aimed at tackling pressing issues like poverty, unemployment, food insecurity, and malnutrition in underserved communities. This initiative provides training, mentorship, and resources to those eager to improve their circumstances.
Since the first seeds were planted at Kwakhanya Khayelitsha Greening and Community Home-Based Care in January, the programme has taken root and expanded to nine other Beneficiary Organisations (BOs) across five communities. The new BOs are located in Khayelitsha, Harare, Kuyasa, Crossroads, and the latest addition in Lavender Hill. Alongside the gardens, these organisations operate community kitchens and skills development programmes, providing daily meals to over 2,000 people, including children and the elderly.
Weekly training sessions are facilitated by FFSA’s community development officer, Likopo ‘DK’ Sehlabo, who has trained 36 individuals in essential gardening skills to date. The first group of beneficiaries has successfully completed the programme and will receive their certificates of completion in the coming weeks, with the next round of training set to begin in October.
Sehlabo expresses gratitude, saying, “We want to thank our FGC food garden participants for their commitment and enthusiasm throughout this process. We are already reaping the benefits of the programme through our weekly harvests.”
The tunnel at FoodForward SA is thriving, and we recently had the pleasure of welcoming Nande Mabala, the 2024 Miss South Africa World 1st Princess. She was genuinely impressed by our Garden Connect Project, which has sparked considerable excitement and showcases our dedication to this initiative.
This space allows us to proudly highlight our efforts to partners and donors, illustrating the positive impact we’re making in the community.