Photo: Humane Society International/Africa
The objective of the initiative is to develop school gardens by adding a variety of plant-based meal options with produce sourced directly from the schools’ gardens.
The programme was launched at LR Schmidt Primary School, the oldest primary school in South Africa, and Emil Weder High School, the only secondary school in the valley. Now, both schools provide meals using produce from their own gardens.
The Genadendal Valley includes the communities of Genadendal, Greyton, Bereaville, Voorstekraal, Boschmanskloof, and Heuwelkroon.
The aim of the pilot project is to enhance the nutritional quality of the meals served at schools, funded by the Western Cape Education Department, by adding a large variety of plant-based options with produce sourced directly from the schools’ gardens.
Currently, LR Schmidt Primary serves around 360 meals daily, while Emil Weder High School serves 200.
Nora Hudson, HSI/Africa Green Monday SA campaign consultant, said: “We are thrilled to launch this pilot programme at two initial schools, with hopes to expand it across the Western Cape and eventually throughout South Africa. Consuming more plant-based meals not only improves our health, but also reduces the environmental impact of animal agriculture, where welfare issues often arise as well.
“Eating ‘green’ can also improve food security in under-resourced communities. It’s incredibly rewarding to see students enjoying the fruits of their own efforts, knowing they are benefitting from their home-grown produce.”
Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Hudson said it was of the imperative to lessen the dependence on meat-based diets by eating plant-based meals at least one day a week.
The reduction of livestock production is, according to her, beneficial for the reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions and soil degradation. An added bonus is that the learners can take the knowledge gained at school to start vegetable gardens at home.
Green Monday is a global initiative supported by Humane Society International.
