Family Food Gardens Make All the Difference in Knysna Community

Sweetwaters community Food Gardens Garden Cabbage

Photo Credit: Pixabay via Pexels

Family food gardens were started during the pandemic and today, they are thriving; many sustain families and bring in a small income too!

Knysna, South Africa (13 June 2023) – Food gardens play an essential role in every community. As food becomes more expensive, so people turn to alternatives to feed their families. With the help of organisations, these families are able to plant more, learn helpful gardening skills and even turn their food gardens into a means to earn an income.

The Knysna Initiative for Learning and Teaching (KILT) has been running a family food garden project to support families in need since the pandemic and they are now thriving!

“KILT’s Family Food Gardens are more than a place to grow vegetables—they’re also growing connected, caring and creative communities.

Born during the challenging times of Covid-19, these backyard gardens have become catalysts for change, fostering family connections, and strengthening communities.

Imagine the joy of harvesting your own food, saving money on groceries, and nurturing a garden that thrives alongside your loved ones. These parent-led gardens have become vibrant hubs where community members gather, their roots deeply intertwined.

In these empowering meetings set amidst the gardens, something magical happens. Seeds, produce, and wisdoms are exchanged, spreading abundance and unity.

Morale soars, a profound sense of togetherness takes hold, and bonds are formed. Parents share their skills, while gardening tips flow freely. It’s a true representation of Ubuntu!”

KILT was established in 2016 to help build an empowered community through education and became an NPC in 2022. It was started by Ms Gill Marcus after she retired as Governor of the Reserve Bank. Knysna-based school principals approached her and asked for help with problems they faced in their schools. Together they were able to address many of the problems these schools faced. Today, KILT runs 18 projects in 17 government schools in the Knysna District.

Since starting KILT, many children have been given the chance to shine! From heading overseas to compete in spelling bees, to reaching for the stars and the unknown in Cape Town; the young minds they support, have had opportunities to take on their most exciting challenges, often not seen in small towns. KILT makes sure every child they work with, has a chance at greatness!

As seen above, they not only focus on the children, but on the community as a whole. Having wholesome food growing in gardens means children are having wholesome meals too! It’s a win-win!

You can find out more about this incredible organisation via Facebook here. The organisation welcomes collaboration and support so if you have a way to lend a helping hand, reach out.