Heritage Day has become one of the most ‘geesie’ days of the year! It’s amazing to see how both employees in the workplace and kids at school, are encouraged to dress up in traditional outfits – all reflecting the rich diversity of our people. As for the delicious flavours of our cultural dishes baked, flame grilled, or fried, the aromas can be smelt from far and wide!
Talking food and local produce, this week our heartfelt story is brought to you by our Ladles of Love Finance Manager, Debbie McGuire who together with Vusi Skhosana our Warehouse Manager, visited a few of our Feed the Soil Urban Farmers:
“Have you ever paused to reflect on why someone chooses the life of a farmer? It truly is one of the toughest jobs in the world. Beyond the rigorous physical demands, farmers are at the mercy of unpredictable weather and relentless pests. And despite their unwavering commitment, their hard work often goes unnoticed and unappreciated, as if it’s simply expected.
As a farmer—regardless of the size of your land—you rise with the sun, facing rain, wind, and shine, dedicating yourself to this labour of love seven days a week.
Recently, Vusi and I had the privilege of visiting small farms in Khayelitsha that are part of our Feed the Soil program. One farm has a heartfelt arrangement with a local school, where land has been generously provided in exchange for fresh vegetables that nourish their students.
It was disheartening to learn that this vegetable garden is sometimes used as a form of punishment for children who misbehave in class. What a shame it is that such a valuable opportunity for learning and growth is reduced to a chore, rather than being embraced as a chance to cultivate self-sustainability.
At another remarkable farm, divided among three spirited women, we met an inspiring 81-year-old farmer. When I asked her why she farms, her response was profound: “Why not us? If not us, who will feed our families and our community?” Her words captured the essence of true community spirit.
These dedicated small farmers grow organic vegetables, and anyone who has tended a garden knows the persistent challenge of protecting plants from hungry insects like snails. I was fascinated to learn that simple solutions like ash, Epsom Salts, and crushed eggshells can effectively deter these pests.
Waste is a foreign concept on these farms, as every resource is valued. Farmers allow their plants to go to seed, ensuring they have what they need for the next planting season. They collect these seeds, drying and replanting them at the right time, embodying a remarkable level of resourcefulness.
Water scarcity is a significant challenge in informal settlements, especially when there’s no running water and you must carry it from a community tap, often balancing it on your head, to nourish your patch. The dedication of these farmers is truly awe-inspiring.
At Ladles of Love, we are honoured to play a role in this journey through our Feed the Soil program. The full buckets you drop off at our pop-ups are transformed into compost, which is given to these hard-working farmers to help them grow the vegetables that nourish their families and communities, while also providing them with a much-needed income. This compost not only enriches the soil, but also helps improve water retention, reducing the demand for irrigation and conserving water resources. We then purchase these vegetables, ensuring that our beneficiaries receive fresh, nutritious, pesticide-free produce while supporting the livelihoods of these farmers.
Visiting these farms was a deeply humbling experience, illustrating what can be accomplished with so little but a tremendous amount of dedication and hard work. Hats off to the farmers who help sustain our nation. Their resilience inspires us all and keeps our nation standing.”
Our Feed the Soil programme has expanded to support over 110 farmers and with more Pop-Up Markets – it is easier to join our circular movement as either a conscious-minded householder or hospitality business owner. To find out more, click on the banner below!
For CSI partnerships on Feed the Soil, please contact Jane at partnerships@ladlesoflove.org.za
Let’s make the circle bigger!
With abundant blessings,
Danny and the team at Ladles of Love ❤️
