Garden brings many together

A group of school kids and senior citizens together are trying to make ensure fewer people in south Auckland go hungry.

They have grown a variety of vegetables over three months and have now sent the harvest to the Salvation Army Manukau Corps’ food bank.

The project came to life due to the efforts of Tuttu Mathew, manager at CHT Hillcrest, an aged care facility in Mangere.

‘‘The main goal was to give back to the community,’’ he says.

It started in May after Jean Batten Primary decided to come on board.

Two garden beds were set up in the backyard of CHT Hillcrest where the students planted some broccoli, carrots, beetroot, silver beet and bok choy.

A batch of students visit the facility every fortnight for about an hour and are taught the nutritional benefits of the veggies that they grow.

‘‘It is also an educational experience for the kids. They play games with the residents and read books to them’’, says Tuttu.

About 20 students from Year 4 harvested the vegetables that were planted by another class. Five classes have participated in the project up until now.

After doing her bit of collecting the vegetables, Sanya Singh, a student says, ‘‘we were told that we would give this to people who need food. And we were chosen to be here because we’re the best class in our school.’’

Another student Mubarack Abdallah says: ’’ We came here to read books to the people. I harvested broccoli, carrot and silver beet.’’

While the kids played and explored the garden, the residents basked in the sun as music from the 1960s filled the air.

There are plans to continue this initiative and get in touch with other food banks, schools, churches and volunteer groups in the community that would like to make a difference.

If you would also like to make a donation to the Manukau Salvation Army food bank you can contact them at manukau_ cm@nzf.salvationarmy.org or 262 2332. The Salvation Army’s Manukau Community Ministries also offer counselling, budgeting advice and assistance with food, furniture and clothing at 16B Bakerfield Place, Manukau.