FoodForward South Africa (FFSA) has announced that Wednesday, 16 October, is World Food Day which celebrates the founding of the United Nations' FAO. This year's theme, "Right to Food for a Better Life and Future," emphasises the urgent need to tackle hunger and malnutrition.
Food is a basic human right, yet over 30 million South Africans don't have access to healthy, nutritious food. At the same time, 10 million tonnes of edible food go to waste every year, says FFSA.
Globally, more than 700 million people are impacted by food insecurity due to climate change, economic challenges and inequality, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
This World Food Day, FoodForward SA is calling on the public, schools and corporations to help "Fill The Gap" by donating essential food items throughout the month of October. These donations will be distributed to vulnerable communities across South Africa.
FoodForward SA says that it relies on the generosity of individuals and companies to provide meals to nearly one million beneficiaries through 2 500 organisations nationwide.
Here's How You Can Help:
Throughout October, FoodForward SA says that it is hosting a food drive, inviting everyone — individuals, schools, corporations and other groups — to donate essential food items. These donations will be packaged and distributed to communities in need across the country.
According to the NPO, food that can be donated includes:
- rice
- oats
- maize meal
- spaghetti
- macaroni
- samp
- dried beans
- soup mix
- lentils
- pilchards
- tuna
- soya mince
- jam
- peanut butter, and
- cooking oil.
Where to Donate:
FFSA says that donations can be dropped off throughout October at the following locations or call FFSA for big pick-ups:
- Cape Town: FoodForward National Office, 21 Polaris Road, Lansdowne
- Durban: FoodForward SA Warehouse, Unit D2, 14 Henred Road, New Germany, Pinetown, and
- Gauteng: FoodForward SA Warehouse, H1 Isando Business Park.
The NPO concludes that individuals should please ensure that all food items are within their sell-by or best-before dates and that the packaging is intact. Whether it's an individual, a school group, or a corporate team, getting involved throughout October can make a difference in the fight against hunger.
For more information, visit www.foodforwardsa.org. You can also follow Food Forward SA on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, or on TikTok.
*Image courtesy of contributor