Grapevine Social & Community
Heinz
G rown N ot Made
Food G ardens Planting B egin
Heinz Foods South Africa aims to be the best
security and greening, with a strong focus on
As an ambassador for Mbekweni Community
food company in South Africa, growing a better
environmental and global warming education and
Sports Centre, Ryk Neethling said: “I requested
world. Heinz Foods is therefore committed to the
awareness. As October 16th is world food day,
Mbekweni as a recipient for the first garden
idea that underprivileged communities around
Heinz Foods is proud to undertake in planting
as it is in a proud community, where most of its
South Africa are taught to grow fresh produce,
of the first Grown Not Made Food Garden at the
people live below the poverty line. This centre
like fresh tomatoes, and through sustainable
Mbekweni Community Sports Centre in Paarl.
does a lot for this community and a food garden
community
initiatives
become
self-sufficient
rather than just being part of a feeding scheme.
would provide healthy food for its children. The
Thanks to the auction, Food and Trees for Africa
most important thing is that these children will
were connected with one of the contributors,
learn how to plant food and learn sustainable
At a charity auction held on 15 May in Cape
Olympic Star Ryk Neethling, who is highly
development, crucial to their current situation
Town, celebrities and socialites came together
involved with the Sports Centre.
and needs. Mbekweni, which means ‘a place
with Heinz Foods South Africa, to raise R194 000
for Food & Trees For Africa.
of respect’ in Xhosa really needs this type of
The Centre also shares the same community as
educational project, it is the greatest way to give
Heinz Foods’ head office, and thus created the
any child or human respect.”
Food & Trees for Africa is the first and only South
perfect opportunity to start at home by choosing
African social enterprise addressing sustainable
this venue to plant the first Heinz Grown Not
Heinz Foods South Africa Commercial Executive,
development through climate change action, food
Made sustainable garden.
Simon Joseph has said: “The responsibility is on
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