Prudential Singapore launches edible gardens as part of initiative to promote sustainability
The Healthy Harvest initiative has an initial S$400,000 in seed funding
[SINGAPORE] Insurer Prudential Singapore on Sunday (Oct 26) launched its Healthy Harvest initiative, with the opening of an edible garden at Telok Blangah Street 31.
Healthy Harvest is part of a two-year tie-up between Prudential and the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment’s SG Eco Fund, which aims to promote climate resilience and foster social inclusion in the community.
The SG Eco Fund and Prudence Foundation – the community investment arm of Prudential – will provide funding support, with an initial S$400,000 in seed funding.
Healthy Harvest comprises edible and therapeutic gardens at rooftop and community spaces in Telok Blangah and West Coast. The community – in particular, seniors, youth and persons with disabilities – will participate in gardening activities and learn improved nutritional habits.
Tan Ping Ping, head of sustainability at Prudential Singapore, said: “This is aligned with what we do as an insurance company – promoting health, well-being and sustainable living.”
The initiative aims to collect 6,000 kg of food waste for composting; harvest and distribute 3,000 kg of fresh produce – about 20,000 packets – to the community; involve 120 seniors, persons with disabilities and residents as regular volunteers; and engage more than 1,000 participants in workshops to learn about sustainable gardening practices and healthy eating habits.
A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU
Friday, 2 pm
Lifestyle
Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself.
“The whole concept of locally grown food helps to promote sustainability and reduce carbon footprint. When you have food that goes from farm to table, you reduce the carbon footprint because you don’t need to deliver and transport the produce,” Tan said.
She added that the initiative supports the Singapore Green Plan 2030, which aims to increase local food production to meet 30 per cent of the country’s nutritional needs by 2030.
The gardens were developed in partnership with social enterprises Farmilysg and City Sprouts.
Involving the community
The urban farm at the Telok Blangah space – spanning 185 square metres – uses a vertical farming structure, integrated drip irrigation powered by solar energy, and a rainwater harvesting system. These conserve energy and water resources.
Food waste will be collected regularly from residents, as well as local eateries and Farmilysg’s network, to be used for composting. The waste will be recycled into nutrient-rich soil, which will then be used in the urban farm to harvest commonly eaten greens such as naibai and kailan, and garnishes including curry leaves and basil.
Tan said this set-up promotes circularity and efficiency, and minimises wastage. The process takes about three weeks, and residents can take home the veggies when they are ready for distribution.
Educational workshops and community events will also be hosted at the Telok Blangah space.
“One of the things we want to do is extend beyond financial literacy to environmental literacy. We believe that when you start this education young, it cultivates a habit and mindset – enough to grow a sustainable generation,” she added.
Telok Blangah Community Club and grassroots organisations including Parcview Residents’ Network will be recruiting volunteers among the residents to help out with gardening activities.
Meanwhile, the 50 sq m garden at West Coast Park, which started activities in August, is designed differently to cater to specific beneficiary groups.
Tan noted that the hydroponic structure is “specially designed” for persons with autism, who excel at repeated tasks. This makes them more suitable for hydroponic gardens, which require more focus, and can be therapeutic for them.
The West Coast space has a greenhouse containing low raised beds that are more accessible to seniors using wheelchairs. Besides driving environmental awareness, Healthy Harvest encourages connectivity with each other.
“Social connection is so important for seniors. We wanted them to have an activity where they can come together and bond by doing something meaningful and purposeful,” Tan said.
Both beneficiary groups will volunteer at West Coast Park twice a month, and can take home the harvested vegetables when they are ready.
The space will also be used for workshops for these beneficiaries, where they can learn about topics such as nutrition and healthy cooking.
“Our ambition is for the gardens to be a social, green and healthy space, for the community to come together to learn about sustainability and healthy living,” she noted.
Healthy Harvest is part of Prudential’s SG60 community investment to celebrate Singapore’s 60th birthday and the insurer’s official move to Labrador Tower, which is near the community gardens. Prudential recently announced that it increased its investment from S$880,000 to S$1 million.
Copyright SPH Media. All rights reserved.
