Food security in Khayelitsha received a boost today, with Alan Winde, MEC of Economic Opportunities, equipping local food gardens with the essentials they need to increase production.
MEC Winde today visited two food gardens in Khayelitsha, handing over “suitcases” containing garden tools, irrigations aids, seeds, fertiliser and compost to grow their operations.
MEC Winde visited the Khula Mntwana and Siyazama food gardens, both supported by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture.
This handover formed part of the department’s suitcase programme to assist food insecure households.
MEC Winde said food gardens were playing an important role in ensuring that residents had a sustainable, healthy food supply.
In addition, food gardens have larger economic potential.
“We are looking at ways of increasing market access for these communal food gardens. There is a definite demand for high-quality produce. We believe major economic benefits can be derived from these ventures,” said MEC Winde. The food gardens already supply small local markets from which they derive funding to replant their crops.
For media queries, kindly contact:
Bronwynne Jooste
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 082 454 4365
E-mail: bronwynne.jooste@westerncape.gov.za
