At FoodForward SA, we believe that access to fresh, nutritious food goes hand in hand with empowering people to create sustainable livelihoods. Our Food Gardens Connect (FGC) programme does exactly that. By upskilling unemployed community members to grow their own produce and offering a guaranteed buy back for their harvest, we are turning food gardens into engines of economic opportunity while strengthening a circular food economy in underserved communities.
This year alone, over 50 gardeners across nine communities in the Western Cape have earned more than R31,000 through the buy back guarantee. These payments not only reward hard work and commitment but also provide critical income that supports families and strengthens local organisations.
In December 2025, two participating organisations experienced the impact of the buy back system first hand. Abahlobo Ekuhlaleni received R10,000, while Sinethemba Community Organisation received R14,000.
Abahlobo Ekuhlaleni allocated 60 percent of the funds directly to volunteers who contributed to garden production, recognising their efforts and easing financial pressure at year end. The remaining funds were reserved to prepare for the next growing season, including irrigation upgrades and essential inputs.
“We are deeply grateful for the programme. The support helped some of our gardeners put food on the table for their families during the festive season. Many people in our community do not even have access to social grants, so this made a meaningful difference,” says Nolitha Ndalasi.
Alfred Jokozela adds, “Receiving the cheque showed me how much Abahlobo Ekuhlaleni is growing. Compost and other resources are expensive, and managing three school gardens is a challenge. This support brings much-needed relief and helps us invest in production while also recognising our volunteers’ efforts. We truly appreciate the continued support from FoodForward SA.”
Sinethemba Community Organisation used its lump sum payment to strengthen garden infrastructure, repairing irrigation systems, purchasing a water pump, fixing a water tank, and investing in additional resources to sustain production.
For both organisations, a year-end payout delivered greater impact. It allowed surplus produce to be converted into meaningful financial support and reinvestment, rather than smaller payments throughout the year.
Looking ahead to 2026, Food Gardens Connect will continue to deepen its impact. Participating gardens are preparing to scale production, improve efficiency, and bring more community members, particularly unemployed youth, into the programme. With continued support, the programme aims to reach more communities and strengthen long term food security through skills, income, and sustainable food production.
