Stodels creates sustainable food garden for Surrey Estate Primary School

Pupils from the school worked side by side with the 20 volunteer horticulturists from Stodels Nurseries to create the food garden. The newly established vegetable garden is part of a sustainable food programme initiated by principal, Imtiaz Adams, because 80% of the 1000 learners between the ages of 5-14 arrive hungry each day.

We all know you cannot teach a hungry child, so as part of their commitment to giving back on Mandela Day, Western Cape based nursery group, Stodels Nurseries, joined forces with Okuhle Media and Hectic Nine-9 to create a sustainable food garden at the school in Athlone on Thursday, 18 July 2013. The fresh vegetables and produce from the garden will go a long way to supplying the school's feeding scheme and soup kitchen and the local community will be invited to enjoy the veggies in return for a little watering and weeding.

A sustainable solution

The horticulturists helped the learners to prepare the soil, plant the seedlings and put together an annual planting plan to ensure there would be a continuous and sustainable supply of vegetables such as carrots, spinach, broccoli, cabbage and lettuce. They also supplied the compost, fertiliser, seedlings, plants and expertise. "We were thrilled to be part of this project which uses our core knowledge of 'eating from your garden' to make a difference in the lives of these learners and their families," says Nick Stodel, MD.

"Surrey Estate Primary School has, despite financial constraints, continued to deliver good results academically, culturally and through its sporting code," says Paula Brown, joint CEO of Okuhle Media. "This is largely due to the dedication of Mr Adams, and his hard-working governing body and management team. The school is in an impoverished area on the Cape Flats and the feeding scheme, which has been operating for the past seven years, is struggling to provide a daily meal for between 70 and 80% of its learners."

"Mandela once said: 'Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world', and what better way to do our part on this very special day than providing a sustainable solution to the hunger issue while learners gain a solid education. It's about sustainable development and filling empty tummies with good wholesome food," says Stodel.

The ongoing maintenance of the food garden will be done by members of staff supported by learners, parents and community volunteers.

For more information, go to www.stodels.com.