Inspiring communities to grow fruit, veg gardens
THE hope to inspire communities to grow their own vegetables in their backyard and sustain themselves during the lockdown economic downturn began in Shallcross this week.
A food garden pilot project, Umgibe Growing System, sponsored by Golden Delight was set up behind the Shallcross clinic.
Ward 71 councillor Previn Vedan said the lockdown resulted in many hardships and food security has become a challenge to residents. He said government programmes and community organisations have been able to provide interim relief.
“Forward-thinking to mitigate hardships has led us to encourage residents to grow their own food. It can be done in confined spaces. Many people come from families of gardeners. With our added time at home, this will be a great opportunity to reconnect with our ‘roots’. This could also be rolled out to other areas,” Vedan said.
Cynthia Narainsamy, head of the garden project, and two others had a community garden at the Parklands Primary School for 13 years. When it closed, she relocated it to the Shallcross Clinic two years ago, where she tends to the small garden.
“With the new initiative, we will use our expertise to teach each household to fend for themselves,” she said.
Naeem Adam, chief operating officer of Golden Delight, said a preference has arisen to help drive self-sustainability within communities.
“The system will give the community an opportunity to grow their own fruits and vegetables, allowing those in need sustenance far beyond the current crisis we are in,” Adam said.