Food Production and Landcare Global Grant in Tonga
In August 2013 Frankston North Rotary was contacted to provide $50,000 which was to be matched 4 for 1 by the New Zealand government to provide vegetable gardens and hen houses for 300 households in three villages in Tonga.
These villages are very poor and their vegetable gardens were rundown and in need of proper fencing to keep the roaming pigs from destroying what was there. 16 Rotary Clubs raised $19,000 and with the support of Rotary District 9820 and The Rotary Foundation (TRF), were able to apply for a Global Grant from TRF.
In April 2014 the project was commenced and the first 120 households have their new vegetable gardens and hen houses and they are now in a position to supply fresh vegetables, eggs and meat to their families. Any excess produce is sold in the local market which means they have a small income and their fresh food is provided at a significantly reduced cost giving them a better diet and leaving them with more disposable incomes.
It is anticipated that all 300 households will have their new vegetable gardens and hen houses within the next 12 months