Carroll Shaw’s produce continues to grow
As part of their Act for Change Programme, the Shoprite Group gives small-scale farmers, such as Carroll Shaw in Randfontein, an opportunity to sell their produce at their stores during Retailer's Market Day.
The Carroll Shaw Memorial Centre had the opportunity to sell their fresh produce at Checkers in Tambotie Mall as part of the Shoprite Group’s initiative to give farmers a direct path to customers.
• Also read: Carroll Shaw joins gardeners to sell organic produce for community
External communications officer for the Shoprite Group, Lwazi Nopote, explained on April 3, more than 60 food gardens for communities sold their produce at various supermarkets across South Africa.
“Retailer’s Market Day creates a unique opportunity for emerging farmers. It helps them earn an income, gain retail experience, and connect with their communities.
The initiative is a key part of the retail group’s ongoing commitment to supporting sustainable hunger relief and food security efforts,” said Lwazi.
Centre manager for the memorial centre, Mpho Motaung, explained that they are an NPO aimed at serving the community since 2010. They offer psychosocial support and shelter to male victims of gender-based violence. Mpho noted that since April last year, however, they had to stop taking in victims as they lost their main source of funding.
“Despite this challenge, we are incredibly grateful to still have a few of our dedicated staff members who continue working and living on our garden initiative. The garden began as a way to equip our beneficiaries and staff with valuable skills while also serving as a rehabilitation activity. Over time, it has become a vital part of our mission, helping us work toward self-sustainability, providing additional nutrition, and creating an opportunity to generate income,” stated Mpho.
He continued that they have been selling their produce at Checkers since 2022, and he expressed their gratitude towards the retailer for the support, as well as the skills training and access to a larger market.
The experience has been truly rewarding,” he said.
Mpho added that the Market Day is held two to three times a year and provides them with a platform to show their produce. Checkers also offers them branding and a display area.
“We have never returned with unsold crops. It has been a blessing,” Mpho said.
“Our greatest hope is to continue growing our garden, learning as much as we can, and eventually becoming fully self-sustainable and operational again. We deeply appreciate every opportunity and the support we receive along the way,” concluded Mpho.
Chief sustainability officer at the Shoprite Group, Sanjeev Raghubir, further noted, “Market Day continues to grow each year, unlocking more opportunities for community food gardens to bring their produce directly to customers. Beyond generating an income, it equips farmers with valuable retail experience and encourages climate-resilient farming methods that are essential for long-term food security.”
Lwazi added that through their Act for Change Programme, they support over 260 community food gardens and 4 000 home gardens, which in turn impacts the lives of more than 80 000 people.
