Food Maniacs have collected half a tonne of PET bottles in exchange for warm meals; supporting over 50,000 people weekly!
Cape Town, South Africa (02 November 2020) – Food Maniacs 24/7 have joined the recycling for food movement that is taking over South Africa. The movement sees people bring in recycling in exchange for food; it offers a level of dignity that a hand out doesn’t. People are given the chance to earn their meal.
Food Maniacs started exchanging plastic for food back in May after Steph Venter, one of the founders, came up with the idea. They run the project within informal settlements located in Khayelitsha, Gugulethu and Kraaifontein.
Since the start of the project, they have collected half a tonne of PET bottles.
“Beneficiaries feel like they have a purpose by collecting a PET bottle for their bowl of soup and bread – and they are learning about the impact of plastic waste on the environment at the same time.” – Steph Venter
The money earned from recycling the bottles helps pay for the fuel they use to deliver the meals to people. They help feed around 50,000 people on a weekly basis.
“Right now my concern is transport. I am desperately looking for a permanent transport solution to deliver the meals to the communities.
“I have big plans for #FoodForPlastic, which is working well and is set to become one of the best ways to both feed people and recycle plastic at the same time.”
You can find out more about Food Maniacs via their Facebook page here.
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