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key information
problem statement
Most NGOs and schools with feeding programmes must constantly battle to source and secure supplies of nutritious food. Needy people, especially children, are put at risk when they cannot consistently maintain a proper diet. Malnutrition makes them vulnerable to fatigue, lethargy, poor concentration, study problems and disease. All of these factors impair their physical development, restrict their personal potential and increase their suffering.
solution
A FoodTent is a revolutionary greenhouse that stands 2m high, 4m wide and 9m long. It is made from shade net and can be erected in 45 minutes. This increases efficiency of vegetable growth significantly, and can provide the complete vitamin and mineral requirements to address most of the deficiencies leading to malnutrition in South Africa.
We are proud to say that if you have access to a 4m x 9m plot of land, using a FoodTent makes it possible to consistently provide the vegetable requirements for approximately fifty people per month. (One of our beneficiaries provides 250 portions of spinach a week from half a tent) This intensive productivity makes a FoodTent the ideal mechanism to supplement a feeding programme or initiate one. A FoodTent provides protection from pests and harsh weather conditions, while simultaneously reducing water by lowering evaporation. We are currently working with highly qualified horticulturalists and bio-chemists to assess relative nutritional value of different crops grown under varying conditions.
To qualify as a FoodTent beneficiary, the only things an organization or school needs are: sufficient space, access to water, a small amount of manpower and the will to feed hungry stomachs.
FoodTents recently developed a GrowZone model, comprised of 10 or more FoodTents. A GrowZone can be operated as a profit generating social enterprise where a portion of produce harvested is donated to feeding schemes or organizations in need of vegetable supplementation. GrowZone operators also receive NQF level 4 agricultural and business training as well as ongoing support and mentoring.
In keeping with responsible farming practice, we are transitioning our hydroponic model into organic permaculture practice where we employ the principles of inter-planting, crop rotation as well as natural pest and fungus barriers/controls. We are committed to soil improvement and hence boost poor soils with organic composts and fertilizers. With gratitude we recognize all compost is kindly donated by Reliance Soil and More and all organic fertilizer is donated by Nutrog.
products
A FoodTent is a shade net greenhouse tunnel structure that stands 2m tall, 4m wide and 9m long. Between 1000 and 2000 seedlings are planted inside the FoodTent depending on the mature size of the chosen vegetable. As we use organic compost and fertilizer and plant directly into the soil, all that the beneficiary needs to do is water twice a day. For an additional R2000 a personalized banner can be attached to the tent. Boreholes and irrigation systems can also be installed at additional costs if required.
Purchase a FoodTent today for R20 000 (excl VAT) and you will receive, seedlings, 2m3 of compost, a years supply of fertiliser, training, a gardening guide and once a month maintenance support for 1 year.
impact potential
** FoodTents can significantly increase the growth rate and quality of produce compared to exposed gardens as well as provide a more suitable environment for longer periods of the year.
** 1 FoodTent can sustain 50 people continuously throughout the year and if planted with recommended vegetables will provide 100% of RDI’s for the following vitamins:
* Vitamin A -150 people
* Folate B9 – 30 People
* Vitamin B3- 8 People
* Vitamin B2- 12 People
* Vitamin B1 – 12 People
* Vitamin B6 – 12 People
* Iron – 15 People
* Proper nutrition improves health and vitality
** Educators and child care takers have noted remarkable improvement in concentration, behaviour and attitude from full tummies.
** The process of growing produce with FoodTents connects people to mother earth.
In post-implementation surveys most participants report feeling more grounded, uplifted, patient and happy
Care givers report new found peace of mind with a reliable source of food.
** FoodTents make fun, inexpensive, and easy-to-do staff community projects and voluntourism packages.
** FoodTents provide great brand building opportunities.
** As a social enterprise, FoodTents aims to have 500 FoodTents in schools and NGOs in 5 years, feeding 25,000 children.
social impact to date
60 FoodTents have been erected to date in disadvantaged schools and NGOs. Projected direct social impact is currently 3000 people per month (August 2010), growing steadily.
viability
FoodTents effectively and inexpensively address a key social challenge at the grassroots level by attacking hunger in the community. Because of these characteristics demand from social investors has been strong.
sustainability
FoodTents sell for R20 000 per unit. Cost of sales is R6500 per unit. To breakeven during venture phase, 5 FoodTents need to be sold per month. This income ensures the employment of the business manager, sales person, site manager and a small ad-hoc implementation team.
geographic location
FoodTents are distributed nationally. Current sites can be found in the Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal
current staff compliment
1 x Business Manager (Jonathan Welch)
1 x Sales person (Leigh Reinecke)
1 x site manager (Herman Du Toit)
2 x Implementation team members (ad hoc)
contact details
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