Instead of giving the traditional Christmas gift to our clients, we at Volantess choose to donate this to an organization that makes an impact. This year, we chose ‘Stichting Voedseltuin Villanueva’. This food garden in ’s-Hertogenbosch grows fresh vegetables for the food bank and is entirely run by a dedicated group of volunteers. With their belief ‘Healthy food accessible to everyone’, Villanueva makes a difference in our society.
More than just a garden
Voedseltuin Villanueva is more than a garden; it is a place where nature and people come together, and social involvement takes center stage. The foundation, and therefore the food garden, was established in 2013 by Dominique Villanueva. She developed an innovative plan to make healthy food accessible to people reliant on the food bank. Now, more than ten years later, the foundation plays a special role in the local community.
A place for everyone
In addition to supplying fresh products to the food bank, Voedseltuin Villanueva is also a recognized training company. They not only provide education about gardening and food but also create a place where volunteers come together. For example, a volunteer used their time at the food garden to learn the Dutch language in a supportive environment. Thus, the foundation not only cultivates vegetables but also creates opportunities for people who need a helping hand.
The foundation relies entirely on volunteers who dedicate their time selflessly. This group consists of people from diverse backgrounds: from those who want to spend their free time contributing to a good cause to job seekers who gain practical experience and reintegrate into society. Together, they make the garden a welcoming place for everyone.
A green connection
Sasja Feenstra and Jos Klanderman from Volantess visited Villanueva and were moved by its mission. They saw firsthand how the foundation carefully cultivates a wide variety of fresh products, which are a valuable addition to the food bank’s offerings. “It is wonderful to see that everything invested here directly benefits those who need it most,” said Jos Klanderman. “No salaries or overhead, just pure impact.” Sasja added another significant aspect: “Villanueva strives for as much biodiversity as possible, deliberately growing many different crops. In every way, this is a fantastic initiative!”
The volunteers—about 35 dedicated individuals—form the heart of the organization. The enthusiasm and commitment with which they run the garden are inspiring. Their dedication is what makes this garden a success.
We believe this unique place deserves more attention. Consider supporting ‘Stichting Voedseltuin Villanueva’ as a volunteer or with a donation. Together, we can ensure their mission—providing fresh products to those in need and contributing to a greener world—can continue.
Want to learn more or contribute? Visit their website and discover how you can become part of this inspiring community.