Isipingo Clinic garden recognized in KZN Excellence Awards

THE Isipingo Food for Health Clinic Garden, which helps patients on chronic medication access nutritious food, has been nominated for the KZN Premier's Service Excellence Awards in the food security category.

This initiative showcases how community gardens can improve health outcomes through cross-sector collaboration

The Isipingo Clinic, based in Orient Hills, was nominated in the Most Effective Food Security and Agricultural Programme category.

Launched in 2024, the garden has become a flagship initiative showcasing the powerful connection between food security, nutrition, improved health outcomes and cross-sector collaboration.

The project is led by the Social Primary Healthcare Food Security Division of eThekwini Municipality in partnership with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), and is implemented through a multi-sectoral partnership approach.

In a press release, the city’s marketing team said originally, the initiative focused on a group of women who were clinic patients, many living with chronic conditions. 

“The garden was introduced as a nutrition-sensitive intervention aimed at addressing food insecurity, one of the key factors that undermines treatment adherence and recovery.

“As the project grew, market days were introduced during harvest seasons. These allow participants to generate an income used for emergencies, purchasing seedlings, and maintaining the garden.

“This model enhances sustainability while promoting dignity, empowerment and self reliance. Today, the Isipingo Food for Health Clinic Garden stands as a leading example of integrated food security and health programming. 

“Through strategic partnerships, community involvement and adaptable solutions, the project has strengthened primary healthcare delivery, supported treatment adherence, improved household nutrition and restored a sense of dignity among participants,” the marketing team said.

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