If 68c can feed one person a nutritious meal, imagine what R22 million could do?
Johannesburg, South Africa (19 May 2022) – This World Hunger Month, non-profit organisation FoodForward SA (FFSA) has partnered with Food Lover’s Market to encourage shoppers to donate a healthy, nutritious meal for only 68 cents.
More than 30 million people living in South Africa face food insecurity.
The most significant food insecurity happens at the household level. Every day, parents skip meals so their children don’t go hungry. This dire situation is expected to worsen as climate instability, supply-chain challenges, and the conflict in Ukraine threatens to drive food costs even higher.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated hunger in South Africa. According to Ipsos, most South Africans have seen an overwhelmingly negative effect on their income during the pandemic. Large numbers of them are suffering from long-term hunger, and many have lost their jobs. Hunger ratios in South Africa are on an upward trajectory after the start of COVID-19. Over 23% of South African households experienced hunger last summer, and 70% of households were reliant on government grants. Additionally, unemployment rates are at a record high of 32.8%, up 2% since the start of the pandemic.
“Food insecurity is a serious issue plaguing South Africans – something we want to highlight during World Hunger Month,” says Andy du Plessis, FoodForward SA’s Managing Director.
“That’s why we’re giving Food Lover’s Market shoppers the opportunity to buy a meal at the till points for someone in need.” FoodForward SA feeds more than 800,000 vulnerable people every day. It partners with farmers, manufacturers and retailers who have a surplus of quality food. During the 2021-2022 fiscal year, it distributed 48 million meals through its network of 2,225 beneficiary organisations across the country. ”
A mere 68c is all it costs to provide a meal for someone in need – this includes the cost of the food, warehousing, the logistics and the team.
“For a few cents, we can ensure that a nourishing meal makes it onto the table of a vulnerable person,” says Du Plessis.
On World Hunger Day on the 28th of May, Food Lover’s Market has also generously committed to matching every meal donation by a shopper at their tills. Shoppers will be able to choose the scale of their donation: R0,68 for one meal, R3,40 for five meals, and just R6,80 for 10 healthy, nutritious meals.
The past few years have been particularly challenging for South Africans, with the most vulnerable feeling the brunt of the pandemic and the economic downturn.
“With more than 30 million people suffering from food insecurity, we must work together to eradicate hunger and malnutrition,” urges Du Plessis. “Your contribution of just 68c will provide a meal for someone in need, so let’s fight hunger together!”
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