With World Hunger Month coming up in October, KFC continues to shine a spotlight on hunger issues in Africa and the beneficiary organisations it supports. “Add Hope raised a total of R4.5-million during World Hunger Month 2015 and we’d like to raise even more this year,” says KFC chief marketing officer for Africa, Mike Middleton. “The more donations we receive, the more children we can sustainably feed.”

The statistics on hunger in South Africa are alarming. The South Africa Early Childhood Review 2016, produced by the UCT Children’s Institute, reveals that over a fifth of children under five suffer from stunting, a condition where children do not reach their full height potential due to chronic malnutrition.

“To develop into his or her full potential, every child needs regular balanced nutrition,” says registered dietitian Abby Courtenay. “At school, hungry children are unable to concentrate. Besides the disastrous impact on a child’s education, other long-term consequences include; a weakened immune system resulting in frequent illness and an increased risk of chronic disease later in life. What is important to remember is that the long-term effects of malnutrition in children are irreversible if not immediately, making this an urgent matter for the future health and wellness of our nation.”

During World Hunger Month, Add Hope will be taking staff on Tours of Hope to some of the 110 organisations that partner with Add Hope, including The Home of Hope in Cape Town, The Epworth Children’s Village in Johannesburg and St. Monica in Durban.

“It’s so important for us to drive awareness of food security issues in South Africa and show people how their Add Hope donation changes lives. That awareness really starts with our own teams,” says KFC chief marketing officer for Africa Mike Middleton. “We know that our employees are proud of our involvement in giving back to the community, and they also have an important role to play in encouraging people to donate. Children in their communities are benefiting from Add Hope, in some cases, even their own children.”

Add Hope has been partnering with a growing number of organisations for the last seven years, ensuring that every cent donated goes towards feeding children. “All the Add Hope beneficiaries provide healthy and balanced meals, mostly at crèches and through school feeding programmes,” says Middleton. “A meal provides an incentive for children to attend school, improving attendance and concentration.”

Middleton says the collaboration between KFC and its customers is vital in fighting hunger, and the total donated to beneficiaries increases every year, with a large portion contributed by KFC.

Middleton highlights that customers can donate any amount, all year round, in KFC restaurants or via the KFC website.

“Add Hope is a very real way that people can make a difference. Your donations help us to provide essential nutrition, growing an educated, healthy, and winning generation and filling them with hope for a brighter future,” says Middleton. “Unite with us to help children thrive.”

For more information, visit www.addhope.co.za.