The City of Cape Town’s Public Empowerment and Development Department and Western Cape Government’s Community Development Worker (CDW) Programme, have jointly launched a food-garden project by investing R150 000 in 10 community food gardens in vulnerable areas.
It aims to tackle food insecurity by feeding thousands of residents and upskilling the community so future generations will continue to benefit from sustainable food-production practices and transferring knowledge.
The Community Development Food Gardens Project consists of 10 community food gardens, which are at different stages of development in areas such as Nyanga, Langa, Delft, Crossroads, Bonteheuwel, Mitchells Plain, Atlantis and Philippi.
Delft
It was launched at the Masithembele Food Garden in Delft, one of the community sites already making strides in this space.The R150 000 investment will provide the 10 food gardens with various items depending on their needs. This could range from compost bins, to compost, cultivation tools, rakes, spades, sprinklers, irrigation systems, hosepipes, seeds, greenhouse tunnels and fencing to secure the perimeter protection from animals and unauthorised access.
“The Food Gardens Project takes a holistic, community-centred approach with multiple beneficiary groups,” said Mayco Member for Urban Waste Management Grant Twigg, “to nurture a love and appreciation for food gardening, which benefits our vulnerable communities in various ways. It is envisioned that the roll-out of these gardens over time will feed thousands of people, from children to the elderly, benefiting from fresh, pesticide-free nutritious vegetables and meals, while encouraging gardening activities, social cohesion and gaining agricultural skills and knowledge that will ensure these gardens continue to benefit future generations.
“The gardens were identified through the CDW Programme, in partnership with the Western Cape Government, an initiative that places trained development workers in communities to identify their needs, mobilise resources, and coordinate community development activities.This community food garden provides nutritious meals for children at after-school programmes, energising holiday initiatives and vital support for elderly social clubs. They also produce their own compost with remarkable ingenuity and limited resources.
Commitment
“Launching this initiative on World Food Day reaffirms the City’s commitment to tackling food insecurity from the ground up. It highlights that sustainable solutions start within communities, where residents are empowered to take control of their food systems and secure a healthier, more resilient future. Every seed planted and every meal shared represents hope, dignity, and care for our planet. Through food gardens we not only grow vegetables, but we also grow responsibility, ensuring nothing goes to waste. We are saying loud and clear ‘No to Food Waste’.”
