Sixty SA schools to get food gardens

Rhodes Quality, in partnership with social enterprise Reel Gardening, has launched a new initiative called Grow with Goodness, which is aimed at growing sustainable food gardens at 60 South African schools.

Every time you buy a Rhodes Quality 100% fruit juice product this summer, you’ll be helping the brand to feed local vulnerable communities, and hungry children in particular.

“We are very excited to kick off the [season] with such a meaningful initiative, and that’s why we’ve partnered with Reel Gardening to help us grow school gardens filled with goodness this summer,” says Tamara Patel, brand manager for Rhodes Quality at the Rhodes Food Group.

FOOD SECURITY IS A PRIORITY

“The future of South Africa depends on the seeds we sow and the kindness we show today. A portion of this summer’s juice sales will be funding the growth of community gardens at 60 schools around the country,” explains Patel.

“We’re working hard to assist vulnerable communities and feed hungry children, and we’re asking all South Africans to join us as we plant gardens around the country.

“South Africa’s deteriorating food security has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and roughly 11% of our population is suffering from hunger,” says Patel. “With this initiative, we are hoping to grow South Africa with goodness.”

She adds: “[Rhodes Quality’s] new summer brand campaign is centred on ‘go with goodness’, which effectively means that we want to provide fresh, wholesome nutrition to as many schools as possible,” she explains. “Our 100% fruit juices make it easier for you and your family to go with goodness every day while helping our local communities grow with goodness, too.”

According to Patel, it’s really easy to get involved: “Add any 1ℓ Rhodes Quality 100% fruit juice to your shopping cart in stores around South Africa, and our team will do the rest.”

“Good food is imperative for children’s growth. Nourishing their tummies and minds is so important to make sure they grow up strong,” she says. “What’s more, with our partnership with Reel Gardening, the children will also learn about planting and growing produce in an accessible, sustainable and fun way.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better partner to help us bring this initiative to life. [Reel Gardening], a business started by Claire Reid [when she was 16 years old], has grown into an innovative, award-winning social enterprise that delivers a real planting revolution with a focus on getting people grounded,” explains Patel. “Since its inception, Reel Gardening has reached almost 3 000 schools and communities, and we look forward to our journey with them.” Reel Gardening founder Reid says: “Growing food not only impacts a person’s ability to take control of their food security, but it also has a myriad other benefits, [and] instils [in them] a connection to nature, responsibility and problem-solving abilities.

“Whether it’s a few pots on your windowsill or a whole veggie patch in the garden, the process of growing food will improve your quality of life.

“[Rhodes Quality’s] delicious range of 100% fruit juices aren’t the only source of goodness,” she adds. “Goodness is also found in the hearts of communities that work together to keep tummies full.”

HOW IT WORKS

Funded by a portion of the proceeds from every 1ℓ Rhodes Quality 100% fruit juice sold this summer, Reel Gardening will visit 60 schools across South Africa, delivering everything they need to start wholesome vegetable gardens.

Volunteers and teachers will be trained to care for the garden, and from planting to harvesting, the school children themselves will be able to get involved in and be excited about the process. Schools are ready and waiting to tend their gardens, watch goodness grow and reap the nutritious rewards! Rhodes Quality

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‘WE WANT TO SUPPLY FRESH FOOD TO AS MANY SOUTH AFRICAN SCHOOLS AS POSSIBLE’