The call to action to end hunger resonates deeply with Libstar, a leading South African producer and distributor of consumer packaged goods. On May 28, World Hunger Day, the central team from Libstar embarked on a mission to empower a local community through sustainable food gardening and nutrition education.
The Partnership
Libstar partnered with local non-profit The Sprightly Seed, a specialist in regenerative agriculture and community building. This collaboration marked a significant milestone in Libstar’s commitment to addressing hunger and supporting under-resourced communities.
- Facilitated by The Sprightly Seed, the initiative aims to establish a sustainable food garden at the Ravensmead Educare Centre.
- The garden will provide fresh produce to the centre’s daily meals, supporting the nutritional needs of at least 135 children over the next six months.
- The partnership also includes nutrition education and workshops to empower the community with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain a sustainable food system.
The Impact
The new plantings build on the success of a summer crop sowed by Libstar in October 2024. That harvest has already contributed significantly to the community’s nutritional needs.
- Approximately 85kg of fresh produce is yielded per season, translating into over 4,000 nutritious meals.
- The addition of the winter crop is expected to serve more than 7,000 additional meals to the children over the next six months.
- The initiative has already contributed to the Ravensmead Educare Centre’s mission to provide daily meals to families in need.
Supporting Food Security
Libstar’s commitment to supporting food security and nutrition is a key pillar of their Corporate Social Investment (CSI) strategy. As CEO Charl de Villiers stated, “As a food business, addressing hunger is core to our purpose. This initiative is about more than just planting crops – it’s about planting hope, restoring dignity, and creating sustainable solutions to hunger.”
“Sustainable gardening to feed more families is a critical component of our mission,” said Charl de Villiers, CEO at Libstar. “By working together with local partners, we can create a more resilient food system that benefits not just our employees, but the communities we serve.”
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A Community Focused Approach
The Ravensmead Educare Centre, a GROW Early Learning programme participant, plays a vital role in the local community by providing both early childhood education and daily meals to families in need. “We are deeply thankful for the continued support from Libstar and The Sprightly Seed,” said Principal Sarah Strauss. “Their commitment goes beyond the garden – it helps ensure our learners are well-fed and gives us the means to support even more families during the tough winter months.”
A Regenerative Approach
Founded by human development specialist Jade Orgill, The Sprightly Seed specialises in regenerative agriculture and building community resilience. “We believe that sustainable gardening can be a powerful tool for building community resilience and promoting food security,” said Jade Orgill, Founder of The Sprightly Seed. “By working together with local partners, we can create a more sustainable food system that benefits not just our community, but the environment as a whole.”
Empowering Communities
Libstar’s commitment to empowering communities through sustainable food gardening and nutrition education is a key aspect of their Corporate Social Investment (CSI) strategy.
- Establishing a sustainable food garden at the Ravensmead Educare Centre.
- Providing nutrition education and workshops to empower the community with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain a sustainable food system.
- Supporting the nutritional needs of at least 135 children over the next six months.
- Contribution to the Ravensmead Educare Centre’s mission to provide daily meals to families in need.
Conclusion
Libstar’s commitment to addressing hunger and supporting under-resourced communities through sustainable food gardening and nutrition education is a shining example of the power of corporate social responsibility. By working together with local partners, Libstar is creating a more resilient food system that benefits not just their employees, but the communities they serve. As World Hunger Day comes to a close, Libstar reaffirms its commitment to this critical mission, inspiring others to join the fight against hunger and malnutrition.
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