On World Hunger Day, which was observed on 28 May, items such as beets, carrots, chili peppers, spices, and various vegetables cultivated in a communal garden in Namibia were displayed and available for purchase at Shoprite Lafrenz in Windhoek, through the efforts of the Groot Aub Fresh Producers group.
The Shoprite Group mentioned that the initiative, which offers an annual retail space for local community gardeners, aligns with World Hunger Day this year—a worldwide event dedicated to addressing food shortages and promoting sustainable approaches. "Groot Aub Fresh Producers is one of more than 300 community gardens backed by the Shoprite Group throughout southern Africa, contributing to improving food stability in the area."
The Chief Sustainability Officer at Shoprite, Sanjeev Raghubir, mentioned that this year’s Market Day offered nearly 60 local gardeners and cooperatives throughout the area the chance to sell their freshly grown products directly to consumers, acquire retail skills, and support the growth of small enterprises that supply their neighborhoods. "Shoppers bought locally grown peppers, spinach, parsley, and various other veggies and fruits, connected with small-scale farmers, and discovered how they cultivate sustainably; in certain cases, customers also took home plantlets for their personal gardens."
He mentioned that every community gardener involved in Market Day has a tale reflecting personal challenges and a journey toward a more stable and food-sufficient lifestyle connected to the earth. "The strength of this event lies in advancing things further by helping them gain access to markets through skill development."
A farmer named Julia Haipinge mentioned that via the Shoprite Group initiative, they have become linked with other communities, enabling them to sell their goods faster and earn money more conveniently. "During Market Day, we build significant trust and attract many customers for our products, alongside gaining valuable skills and information. All these factors keep us motivated, and we won’t stop focusing on food production."
The Group mentioned that at the edge of Windhoek, Groot Aub Fresh Producers' agricultural plot cultivates numerous types of plants, allowing project participants to sell their harvests to local residents and generate job possibilities. Excess yield from this six-year-old communal garden is frequently given to the area's senior citizens’ residence and public facility.
Shoprite pledged that even outside of Market Day, they remain committed to supporting local food gardens via their Act For Change initiative, which so far has provided assistance to hundreds of gardens through training, saplings, and facilities.
