Shoprite Launches Second Food Garden Competition
South African community food gardens can now compete for a share of R1 million in support.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Gardening
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Shoprite has officially opened the second edition of its Act For Change Food Garden Competition. Five winning community-based projects will receive a portion of R1 million in resources, infrastructure, and training to help expand their operations.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to provide essential backing to community-led gardening projects that demonstrate a positive social impact. By rewarding established gardens, Shoprite seeks to foster sustainable food production across South Africa.
The competition offers a total of R1 million in support to five winning gardens, including infrastructure and training. Eligibility is restricted to community-based food gardens, with private companies and individual home gardens excluded.
The players
Shoprite
Shoprite is a major South African retailer that operates an extensive network of supermarkets across the country and throughout Africa.
The details
To enter, applicants must submit a description of their garden's history, purpose, and community role, accompanied by photographs via the online portal. As of July 2026, the retailer has already provided support to 300 community food gardens nationwide.
Timeline
March 2026: Winners of the inaugural competition were announced.
July 2026: Shoprite confirmed it reached 300 supported community food gardens.
October 2026: The second food garden competition was launched.
27 October 2026: The Act For Change Market Day takes place.
15 November 2026: The competition entry period closes.
Culture Shift
This initiative represents a move toward hyper-local food security programmes, mirroring the broader societal push for sustainable urban and community farming. By formalising support for grassroots projects, the competition signals a shift in how retailers approach social impact.
Community food gardens that meet the entry criteria can gain access to significant infrastructure investment and training to improve their yield. Residents in the surrounding areas of these winning gardens may see an increase in fresh produce availability as these sites expand.
The takeaway
Community gardens looking to apply should ensure their documentation clearly outlines the specific role the garden plays in their local area. Providing high-quality photographs and a detailed history of the project will be essential for the selection committee.
What happens next
Entries for the competition must be submitted by 15 November 2026, with the final list of five winners scheduled to be announced before April 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local food production initiatives by visiting the Gardening section.
More information
Submit your application or review eligibility requirements at the Online competition entry portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Food For Mzansi.
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Do you believe corporate-sponsored competitions effectively help local community food gardens grow?
