Bianca MullerGrowing vegetables is rewarding. Growing them from what would otherwise end up in a landfill? Even better. That’s exactly what’s happening in Bredasdorp, where Shoprite has opened its 300th community food garden – a project that’s turning household food waste into compost and, ultimately, fresh produce for the local community.
From food waste to food on the table
Every month, organic waste collected from around 800 households is diverted from landfill and sorted at the facility. Instead of becoming rubbish, it is composted and used to enrich the soil where vegetables are grown.
The produce is then sold locally, keeping the distance between garden and table refreshingly short while making fresh vegetables more accessible to nearby residents.
The initiative first began in 2021 as a waste management project before expanding into food production in 2024. Today, it’s an example of how composting and regenerative gardening practices can work hand in hand to reduce waste while producing something genuinely useful.
A garden that’s growing more than vegetables
The cultivated garden spans around 700 square metres within a five-hectare site and is cared for by a team of eight under the guidance of the Zero Waste Association of South Africa (ZWASA).
Beyond harvesting vegetables, the project is also helping residents develop practical gardening and farming skills through monthly workshops. Future plans include establishing a seedling nursery and improving planting areas to better withstand erosion and increasingly unpredictable weather.
Rather than following a standard blueprint, Shoprite says each of its community food gardens is tailored to suit the needs of its local community.
According to Shoprite Chief Sustainability Officer Sanjeev Raghubir, reaching the 300-garden milestone reflects the retailer’s ongoing commitment to strengthening food security across South Africa. He says the Bredasdorp project shows how partnerships and regenerative farming practices can transform what was once considered waste into a valuable community resource.
Why community food gardens matter
Community food gardens have become increasingly important as South Africans continue to feel the pressure of rising food prices.
While they provide access to fresh, nutritious produce, their benefits extend much further. They can create employment opportunities, teach valuable gardening skills, encourage composting and sustainable waste management, and bring neighbours together around a shared purpose.
The Bredasdorp garden is also situated close to a large informal settlement, making it easier for nearby residents to access affordable, locally grown vegetables.
For the Cape Agulhas Municipality, the project is also a practical example of how underused land can be transformed into productive green spaces while reducing the amount of organic waste ending up in landfill.
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Feature image: Unsplash
