Community Farmers Showcase Fresh Produce at Shoprite and Checkers Market Day

Community Farmers Showcase Fresh Produce at Shoprite and Checkers Market Day. More than 60 community gardeners and agricultural co-operatives from South Africa, Namibia and Botswana took part in this year’s Market Day initiative hosted by Shoprite Group, providing growers with an opportunity to showcase and sell their produce directly to customers at selected Shoprite and Checkers stores.

The event took place on 28 May and coincided with World Hunger Day, a global initiative focused on raising awareness around food insecurity and promoting sustainable solutions to hunger.

According to the retailer, all participating growers form part of more than 300 community food gardens supported by the Shoprite Group across Southern Africa. The programme is designed to strengthen food security while helping local communities develop sustainable agricultural projects.

Market Day gives community gardeners access to retail environments where they can engage directly with customers and sell fresh produce including spinach, peppers, parsley, fruits and other vegetables.

Customers visiting participating stores also had the opportunity to learn more about the growers’ farming practices and, in some cases, purchase seedlings for their own home gardens.

Among the participating projects was the Dirang Batswana Greenery Project in the North West province. Established in 2012 by four members, the initiative has since expanded to support 150 household gardens and operates a soup kitchen that provides meals to 300 children using vegetables grown within the project.

Project member Seipati Tlhong said Market Day provides an opportunity for community growers to be recognised as producers contributing to local food systems.

The Shoprite Group said the initiative goes beyond providing a sales platform. Participants also receive training focused on customer engagement, pricing, communication, product presentation and record-keeping, helping them develop practical business and retail skills.

Sanjeev Raghubir, chief sustainability officer at the group, said each participating garden represents both an individual story and a broader contribution to food security within local communities.

The Market Day initiative forms part of the retailer’s Act For Change programme, which supports community food gardens through training, infrastructure assistance and the provision of seedlings.

This year also marks a significant milestone for the programme, with the Shoprite Group celebrating the establishment of its 300th community garden. The latest project is located near Bredasdorp in the Western Cape.

The retailer said it remains committed to supporting community growers and small-scale farmers who contribute to food production and community development throughout the region.