Margery Povall heard about Soil for Life in 2006 from Ikamva, an NGO with which SFL had created food gardens in the Cape Flats. She was impressed by the dedication and scope of their work, and she and Susan Law visited again in 2007. The Trustees decided later in 2007 to fund the SFL activities in Touws River for two years.

SFL has been working in Touws River, a small railway town situated some 185km east of Cape Town, since 2003.  During this time they have provided members of the community with training and support in organic food gardening techniques and income generating skills and played an integral role in the establishment of a thriving 5 000sq metre food garden at the Thando Community Centre.  In 2006, top class produce from the garden (including a selection salad greens and reds, Chinese vegetables, beetroot, turnips, radishes, peas and broad beans) was sold to a variety of outlets in Cape Town and further income was being generated through the sale of preserves, compost, seedlings and herbs for which there is an ongoing and growing demand.

Touws River - Spinach like you've never seen before, and the beds well mulched to protect against the scorching heat.