Residences receive seed donations for their community garden projects at the launch

RAG’s Community Garden Project in support of the No Student Hungry (NSH) Bursary programme was officially launched on 18 August 2015 on the Bloemfontein Campus. In response to student food insecurity - one of the enormous challenges faced by the University of the Free State (UFS) - RAG Community Service is implementing a lifestyle change designed not only to sustain the environment but also to maintain healthy wellbeing.

The main objectives of the project are to ensure sustainable living and food security by introducing 26 residences to the pastoral farming society. RAG Community Service will assist all residences with seed donations, tires, soil, and fertilizer.

Sustainability is a key factor to the project. By collecting rain or grey water, and by using recycled or re-purposed materials, the project presents a twofold mechanism for solving the widespread phenomena of water scarcity and food insufficiency. “If every residence participates, we will have 26 vegetable gardens, thus, in theory, we should be able to feed 540 students per week,” said Steph-Marie Jordaan of the RAG Executive Committee.

Endorsing the project, Vicky Simpson, NSH Coordinator, said, “The RAG Community Garden Project is a commendable and pro-active approach to addressing food insecurity on our campus. They have the full support of NSH.” She added that it was inspiring to see all the motivated students from different residences who attended the launch to exhibit their project plans.

Together we can feed more students

Sponsors who have pledged support include the MySPAR Garden Project, the UFS Nutrition and Dietetics Department, and Thabo Olivier. In 2014, Olivier was named the "Greenest" councillor in South Africa, and is the founder of the Qala Tala sustainable living initiative. He serves as a mentor to the project.

If you wish to get involved or donate seeds and recyclable material, contact Jaco Faul (Senior Assistant Officer: Rag Community Service) on 0514012410 or FaulF@ufs.ac.za