Self-harvest garden in Nieuwehorne: Free vegetables and fruit for low-income families
In the self-harvest garden in Nieuwehorne, people with low income can collect free vegetables, fruit, herbs, and potatoes weekly. Initiator Loraine Westerneng believes it is important that even those with limited means have access to fresh, healthy, and pesticide-free food. The garden now provides healthy meals to three hundred households and fosters new social connections. Westerneng aims to expand this concept across the Netherlands: "Our food system needs to be more sustainable and social."
Unfair food system
Loraine Westerneng (29) enjoys seeing people with limited means harvesting vegetables. Three years ago, this former pasture was gradually transformed into a vegetable and herb paradise. As the communications manager of Green Inclusive, a social enterprise that produces fiber hemp for building materials, she had the opportunity to reserve two hectares of the acquired farmland in Nieuwehorne for a harvest garden for low-income families. The Sociaal en Vitaal Foundation was established, with various companies contributing financially as donors. The first season exceeded expectations: sixty families could fill their bags weekly. The garden is managed by two vegetable growers and dozens of volunteers.
Creating impact together
As a cooperative bank, Rabobank feels connected to the world around us. Therefore, we return part of our profits to society through Cooperative Dividend, including the Rabobank Cooperative Fund. With this fund, we support projects that strengthen the region, focusing on important social themes such as Banking4Food, sustainable entrepreneurship, energy transition, sustainable living, financial health, and strengthening local communities. Associations and foundations can apply for the Cooperative Fund at their local Rabobank. A delegation from the members' council evaluates these applications quarterly.
Cooperative Impact Award
The Sociaal Vitaal Voedseltuin has won one of the three national Cooperative Impact Awards from Rabobank. In addition to a physical award, the winners received a financial contribution of €12,500 to make an even greater impact. This project requires significant investments in machinery, materials, and guidance. The additional financial support ensures they can expand their efforts and support even more young people.