Fromd left: Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, FoodForward SA chairperson Chrispin Sonn and the managing director, Andy du Plessis. Picture: Leon Lestrade/African News Agency (ANA)
FoodForward SA (FFSA) opened its biggest storage warehouse on Friday in Lansdowne, a step closer to meeting its goals of feeding 2.5 million hungry people a day.
The warehouse was officially opened ahead of World Food Day on Sunday.
The managing director of the organisation, Andy du Plessis said the building would allow them to increase the stock and thus alleviate more hunger in the country.
“At the moment, we reach about 950 000 vulnerable people per day through a network of 2 750 registered beneficiaries. Our goal is to reach 2.5 million people per day through 500 000 charities.
“We have a huge problem of food waste in our country and we need food manufacturers, retailers and farmers to donate their surplus to us so that we can suppress hunger and mitigate the effects of climate change and feed our people,” he said.
The organisation aims to address widespread food insecurity in the country by recovering surplus food from the consumer goods supply chain and redistributing it to local organisations that are feeding underprivileged communities.
Bongiwe Rafa from Gugulethu, the founder of Yizani Sakhe (Come build with us) is one of the beneficiaries who has been receiving food for the past five years from FoodForward SA.
She said the organisation’s work was remarkable.
“Elderly people arrive early in the morning for a plate of food so that they can eat and be able to take their pills. We cook every day for people and children and the guys who are unemployed in the township.
“We have a huge reach; some people come from New Crossroads and others from Philippi,” she said.
Rafa said she used to be an alcoholic when she was younger. Some of her experiences made her see life differently and she decided to start helping vulnerable people.
“This is a calling. God will change you that you promise to serve people and be grateful for changing your life.
“I was an alcoholic for six years but I realised that I will die and leave my family and children behind. So I told myself that I will serve the people and started raising funds in the local businesses,” she said.
She also receives donations from Gift of the Givers and other small businesses. Her organisation will be celebrating 20 years on November 2.
FFSA ambassador and celebrity chef, Jenny Morris, said: “We would welcome any donations from the public. There are many people out there who think this food is going to expire and yet it does not. The food is fresh and perfect.”
