A thriving community vegetable garden that has been a lifeline for vulnerable children in the Jeffreys Bay community is seeking new support to return to full operation after a funding shortfall forced it into temporary dormancy.
The Joshua Project Vegetable Garden, run by a well-established 27-year-old non-profit organisation based in Jeffreys Bay and Humansdorp, has long maintained the garden primarily to support its kitchen.
In 2020, the organisation embraced the Farming God’s Way method, transforming the garden into a more purposeful and sustainable initiative.
What began as a modest effort has since grown into a thriving example of small-scale, faith-based farming that promotes environmental stewardship and food security.
However, when key funding dried up in May this year, the once-flourishing garden that fed over 100 children monthly was forced to scale back operations.
Natasha Dhludhlu, Project Manager for Joshua Project, said that the garden is more than soil and seeds — it’s a symbol of what’s possible when a community comes together.
“The garden is a reminder that with a bit of land, some hard work, and a shared vision, we can build something truly life-changing,” said Dhludhlu.
She said that what started as a small plot primarily supporting the organisation’s kitchen eventually evolved into a powerful community resource that provided fresh, nutritious produce while serving as a hands-on training ground for aspiring young farmers.
Joshua Project operates a drop-in centre for vulnerable children at risk and those living on the streets, following their M.E.N.D. approach — Mentoring, Education, Nurturing, and Discipleship.
The organisation’s homework support programme welcomes learners from all local schools, helping 80 to over 100 learners each month.
“For many of the children supported by Joshua Project, this garden has been a blessing,” said Dhludhlu.
“It ensures access to nutritious meals every day, directly improving their health and concentration at school. Even more special is the fact that some children were able to take home fresh vegetables to their families, helping to stretch household meals and uplift homes beyond the Project’s walls.”
Dhludhlu further said that the garden’s impact extends beyond nutrition.
She said that children have learned to tend their own small garden boxes, discovering where food comes from and feeling the pride of growing something with their own hands.
Despite the setback, Dhludhlu said that hope remains strong.
She said that the organisation has recently installed a brand-new wash and pack station, improving hygiene and food handling to ensure produce is safe and market-ready.
“With the right support, the garden could be up and running within just a week. That’s how close it is to flourishing again; it just needs people to step in and lend a hand,” said Dhludhlu.
She said that the organisation’s immediate need is for a dedicated, funded garden manager and five consistent volunteers who can each contribute two to three hours twice weekly.
Dhludhlu said that they are also seeking restaurants and community members willing to commit to purchasing vegetables from the garden to ensure sustainability.
Before the funding challenge, she said the garden produced high-demand vegetables, including leafy greens, root vegetables, and seasonal favourites that thrive in local soil conditions.
Additionally, Dhludhlu said that the produce not only fed children and families but also helped generate funds for the organisation.
“Sadly, when the garden activity slowed, its absence was felt. Crops deteriorated, food went to waste, and the once-thriving space became a shadow of what it had been. It served as a clear reminder of how vital this garden is, not just for nutrition, but for community well-being and morale,” said Dhludhlu.
The organisation is also seeking a volunteer with a marketing background and strong administrative skills to promote vegetables, manage advertising campaigns, drive sales, and calculate profits and losses.
Looking ahead, Dhludhlu envisions restoring the garden to full productivity — not only to feed children and families but also to help raise funds, create local job opportunities, and reduce poverty in the surrounding community.
“The dream is to restore the garden to full productivity. A thriving garden represents so much more than food; it’s about sustainability, dignity, and hope,” said Dhludhlu.
Community members interested in supporting the Joshua Project Vegetable Garden through volunteering, purchasing produce, or other assistance can contact Natasha Dhludhlu at 071 472 0844.
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