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As early as 1990 FTFA realised that tree planting could assist in climate change mitigation and thus commenced the Trees for All Programme (formerly called the National Tree Distribution Programme). Since then FTFA continually receives thousands of applications for trees from poor communities living in barren, dusty, townships across South Africa. FTFA provides one metre indigenous or fruit trees for as many as possible with assistance from sponsors. Trees are ordered from the nearest tree grower (emerging nurseries where possible) and delivered with instructions (branded with funder logos for larger numbers) on how to plant and maintain them. Tree planting events (which can also be branded and attended by the funders for publicity) are often held to highlight the benefits of trees and greening and spread awareness and education. The cost of 1 metre indiginous or fruit trees delivered to the beneficiary communities as described here is SAR90 per tree. For 500 or more trees we offer a discount at R80 per tree.
We know that trees can help mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide from the earth’s atmosphere. But what is less widely understood is how many of these trees can also help to bring an end to hunger and poverty. Take a look at five varieties of tree that are helping to alleviate these issues and protect the environment.
Over R50 000
As of 2009, September is known as Arbor Month here at FTFA, to allow the many companies, schools, communities and individuals who celebrate the focus on tree planting in this period. Whilst every month is Arbor Month for South Africa’s greening social enterprise, FTFA joins the nation to celebrate this special tree time by responding to the many community
and company requests for trees. All are urged to get their requests in no later than end July so that preparations can be made for the many tree plantings that will take place! Download and send this in as soon as possible: 
Shell SA celebrated Mandela Day 2010 by planting trees in Khayelitsha in the Western Cape and Kya Sands in Gauteng.
Alon Shina of African Designs started an initiative in 2008 to contribute to a tree as a gift for each customer who purchased their beautiful jewellery and has been planting trees through FTFAs Trees for All programme ever since, 260 trees to date. Each customer receives an Alon Shina branded tree certificate to acknowledge their purchase.
In 2008 Harlequin Paint independently and proactively assessed their carbon footprint. Although their emissions were already fairly low they addressed a couple of areas that needed attention and decided to reduce their emissions as much as they could. 
Since 2009, VH Timbers has been donating money on a monthly basis towards fruit trees for disadvantaged communities through FTFA’`s Trees for All programme, formerly called the National Tree Distribution programme. Over the past year, Xitlhangu School in Matikoxikaya in Limpopo received 47 fruit trees. The school was very excited to receive this gift of life. The trees were requested so the school would have fruit to feed the children and community, as well as to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the school. As these trees grow, they will also provide shade for the learners to sit under.
Cummins Africa Distribution, a new partner of Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA), spent an unforgettable Mandela Day planting 100 trees at three children’s homes around Gauteng. This was arranged and facilitated by FTFA through their Trees for All programme. Mr Sipho Mathe, FTFA project officer, had the honour of accompanying the committed Cummins team to Princess Alice Adoption Home, Epworth Children’s Village and Johannesburg Children’s Home. He taught the team and the staff at the homes how to plant trees properly and explained all the great benefits these trees will bring.
This Arbor Month,
September 2010, Food & Trees for Africa celebrates 20 years of greening
South Africa, with over 3.4 million trees distributed to disadvantaged
communities across the country.
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