The Seaboard CAN has been working to help boost food security and nutrition security by providing food gardens to people in need.
Cape Town, South Africa (07 August 2020) – The Seaboard CAN was established on the 24th of March, the eve of South Africa’s Covid-19 lockdown by concerned residents. Residents of the Atlantic Seaboard collaborated and created a Community Action Network (CAN) to address issues that arose from the South African lockdown and response to COVID-19.
“We were concerned about fellow Capetonians who were not able to prepare for the pandemic by stocking up on food or sanitation supplies. As the lockdown has continued, many families have lost their income. We understand that the need is far greater than the government can provide for, and have chosen to act together.”
Through several initiatives, the CAN has been able to address food insecurity, access to adequate sanitation and even shelter those from the winter Cape storms.
The most recent initiative of the Gugulethu-Seaboard partnership aims to support sustainable community-driven food-security solutions and environmental well-being by boosting local urban farmers and backyard growers. The initiative is an important inter-neighbourhood skill-share bridge.
Vuyani Qamata has been the driving force behind the food gardens popping up in the front yards of Gugulethu residents. Compared to Ron Finley, the Gangster Gardener of Los Angeles, Vuyani has carved a path for his fellow South Africans to boost their own food security.
The Gugulethu-Seaboard partnership helps residents access tools and funding to get their food gardens established. As a community, everyone helps plant and care for the gardens. Isa Jacobson from the Seaboard CAN shared a video of the latest garden being installed in Gugulethu.
Take a look at the food gardens below, and if you would like to support the CAN, you can do so here.
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