- Ladles of Love expands its Feed the Soil programme to Blue Route Mall to reduce food waste and support urban farmers.
- The programme has already diverted 147 tons of food waste and produced 46 tons of compost to enhance soil quality.
- Food waste collection at Blue Route Mall every Tuesday provides an easy and convenient way for the community to contribute to sustainability efforts.
Ladles of Love, a renowned non-profit organisation committed to food security and sustainability, is expanding its innovative Feed the Soil programme to Blue Route Mall.
This initiative aims to combat food waste, improve soil quality, and support urban farmers while fostering a more sustainable community.
With challenges related to food waste management and soil degradation, Feed the Soil provides a practical solution.
According to Ladles of Love founder Danny Diliberto, “this programme is about more than just reducing waste – it’s about creating a full-circle system that benefits everyone, from the environment to urban farmers and the community”.
Since its launch in 2021, Feed the Soil has made a significant impact. “We’ve managed to divert 147 tons of food waste from landfills and generate over 46 tons of nutrient-rich compost,” Diliberto shared. “That compost is then given to urban farmers, who use it to grow fresh, organic produce. It’s a powerful cycle of sustainability.”
The initiative has also procured 90 tons of fresh produce from urban farmers and invested R2,1 million in small-scale farming, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening local food systems.
By improving soil quality and enhancing crop nutrition, the initiative directly addresses food security challenges in vulnerable communities.
Now, with its expansion to Blue Route Mall, Feed the Soil is set to reach even more households and businesses. Every Tuesday from 09:00 to 12:00, visitors to the mall can drop off their food waste at a designated collection point in the parking area off Tokai Road, opposite Tyger Wheel & Tyre. “We want to make it as easy as possible for people to contribute,” said Diliberto. “By setting up at a location with high foot traffic, we’re making sustainability accessible and convenient.”
Beyond waste collection, the programme creates a direct connection between urban farmers and consumers. Shoppers will have the opportunity to purchase locally grown, organic produce at the market stand. “It’s incredible to see people not just drop off waste but also take home fresh vegetables that were grown using the very compost they contributed to,” Diliberto remarked.
Ladles of Love is calling on households, businesses, and sustainability-conscious organisations to get involved. “Every banana peel, every coffee ground, every leftover vegetable scrap can make a difference,” said Diliberto. “By taking part, you’re not just reducing waste – you’re nourishing the soil, supporting small-scale farmers, and helping build a greener future.”
