Food insecurity is a daily reality for many households across South Africa. In a country where around 55% of the population lives below the poverty line, more than 50 million people experience food insecurity for two to three weeks every month. For low-income households, government grants, often supporting multiple dependents, provide temporary relief but fall short of addressing long-term needs. The growing cost of living and rising food prices further widen this gap.
At GrowBox, we understand these challenges firsthand. After being retrenched, I started growing food to feed my family and was determined to help people do the same for theirs. As a social enterprise, we’re on a mission to restore dignity and confidence to communities by promoting urban farming and sustainable food production. We believe that every household deserves access to fresh, nutritious food – and we're showing families how they can achieve that, even with limited resources.
Teaching the next generation about sustainable food security
We believe that the key to building a sustainable future lies in education. That's why we place a strong emphasis on teaching food security and environmental conservation to both current and future generations. Our curriculum covers essential topics like permaculture, soil nutrition, worm farming, and composting. By equipping people with the knowledge to live off the land, we not only help them grow food, but also foster a deeper understanding of eco-friendly practices.
Creating micro gardens in limited spaces
We teach families how to make the most of their available space, whether it's a balcony, backyard, or rooftop. Our techniques focus on cultivating micro gardens using recycled, locally available materials like plastic tins, old tyres, and plastic bags. Not only do these gardens provide families with fresh vegetables daily, but they also offer a source of extra income through the sale of surplus produce.
With our approach, we also emphasise the environmental benefits. By incorporating organic compost, practising zero-tillage, and using mulching techniques families can boost productivity while conserving natural resources. This method reduces reliance on chemical fertilisers and pesticides, leading to healthier soil and crops.
Practical, low-cost food gardening for everyone
There’s often a misconception that starting a garden is expensive or requires expert knowledge. Anyone can begin growing their own food with minimal resources. We encourage people to use what they have – whether it’s recycling food scraps for compost, using old containers like crates or bathtubs as planters, or drying out seeds from locally purchased vegetables to grow their crops. It's a process of trial and error, but with every step, confidence and skills grow.
A single packet of seeds from a local store can cost as little as R25, or families can purchase seedlings to speed up the process. By integrating household waste into compost and using recycled materials, the initial investment is minimal, making food gardening an accessible solution for all.
Beyond the surface
Food gardening isn't just about the harvest. It offers mental and emotional benefits as well. Gardening can be therapeutic, encouraging community engagement and pride, especially among adolescents. A food-secure household brings stability – parents are reassured that their children are fed and healthy, and the elderly can take their chronic medication with proper sustenance. Growing food also means families can reallocate their funds to other essentials, like utilities or school necessities.
To find out more about their impact:
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Visit the GrowBox website
(Photograph: Luke Daniel / Business Insider South Africa)
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