In eight months, the project benefited 12 thousand people in three public network units in São Paulo
To the urban gardens supported by iFood begin to bear their first fruits. In less than eight months of project, the plantations cultivated in three public schools in São Paulo yielded 17 tons of food (with more than 25 types of vegetables), which benefited 12 thousand people.
In an area of 2,300 m2, more than 25 types of vegetables were harvested. The production is used to prepare school meals, and the surplus is donated to the children's parents. “Currently, 61% of the parents interviewed say that the garden project helped to improve the family’s diet”, comments André Borges, head of sustainability at iFood.
Urban gardens are a solution to promote healthy and diversified eating — a relevant action in tackling the food insecurity (difficulty accessing good quality food and the necessary quantity) and food deserts (areas where there is little access to fresh food). The first vegetable gardens implemented by iFood and its partners are in São Paulo, in the Aricanduva and São Mateus neighborhoods, and in Ferraz de Vasconcelos.
“Delivering food security in Brazilian favelas is also promoting combat to poverty and the reduction of inequality”, commented Edu Lyra, founder of Gerando Falcões, partner of the initiative in urban garden in Ferraz de Vasconcelos. The other institutions involved in the project are the NGO Cidades Sem Fome, Pé de Feijão and Prato Verde Sustentável.
Two other school garden projects are being implemented in Osasco (SP), in partnership with the municipality's food security department, the Food Bank and the Department of Education, and will be producing food by the end of May. 2022.
The initiative also fosters new habits in those who participate. “When children learn about the planting process, they end up liking and accepting the diet of vegetables better,” says Fabíola Lisboa, director of a school participating in the project.
In the video below, student Maytê Santos narrates the experience of having an urban garden at her school — and the children tell us what their favorite foods are among those they have already tried. Press play to check it out!
