Shoprite’s mobile soup kitchens help feed vulnerable South Africans across the country every day. (Image: Shoprite)
A South African supermarket group is helping feed thousands of hungry people every day by donating unsold food to relief organisations.
The Shoprite Group – which runs Shoprite and Checkers stores across the country – has a no-waste policy. Instead, surplus food is donated to Foodbank South Africa, which in turn distributes the food to hundreds of non-profit organisations, collectively feeding thousands of hungry people every day.
In 2015 alone, the supermarkets donated close to R100-million worth of surplus food to organisations in need.
Shoprite also directly services vulnerable communities across South Africa every day with its fleet of 19 mobile soup kitchens. Since they took to the road in February 2007, the kitchens have served over 27-million meals.
Acting for change
This winter, the supermarket group’s customers can also play their part to fight hunger by simply donating R5 or more to the #ActForChange Fund at any till-point in stores across the country. The funds go towards the work of FoodBank South Africa.
“It costs FoodBank South Africa R1.08 to provide enough food for one meal, so a donation of R5 will allow us to provide nearly five meals,” said Kate Hamilton, fund development manager at Foodbank South Africa.
“Considering that more than 13.8-million South Africans go hungry every day, we have a collective responsibility to work towards ending hunger in our country – and every little donation helps.”
The #ActForChange Fund was launched in March this year after customers asked to be part of efforts making a difference in communities affected by the ongoing drought gripping the country.
Customers have since donated well over R200 000 to the fund, which hopes to raise even more through winter.
On Mandela Day this year, FoodBank South Africa will be holding a meal and hamper packing day in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. The events will happen in 67-minute slots from 9 am to 3 pm on 18 July 2016.
Check out Foodbank South Africa’s website on www.foodbanksa.org on how your donation will be used to make a difference.
