Food Lover’s Market hunger month raises record 16.3 million meals in 10th anniversary milestone
Despite South Africa producing enough food to feed its population, millions still go hungry amid widespread food loss and waste. Food Lover's looks to combat that by raising 16.3 million meals in the tenth year of its feeding the hungry campaign.
Food Lover’s Market Group said South Africa produces enough food to feed its population, yet millions of people continue to experience hunger.
Every year, approximately 10 million tonnes of food are lost or wasted across the country’s food system. At the same time, vulnerable households are forced to skip meals, reduce portions, and make impossible choices about who gets to eat.
This year, as hunger month celebrated its tenth anniversary, customers, suppliers, partners, and colleagues across the entire Food Lover’s family came together to help fund an extraordinary 16 357 829 meals, making it the most successful hunger month campaign in the retailer’s history.
Read more: Winter donations bring warmth to Diepsloot families
The campaign was supported by Food Lover’s Market family brands: FreshStop, VetSmart, Food Lover’s Eatery, and Market Liquors.
The result exceeded the campaign’s original target of 10 million meals by more than 63%, and brings the total number of meals funded through hunger month, since its launch in 2016, to an incredible 37 857 829 meals.
Brian Coppin, CEO of the Food Lover’s Market Group said: “As I reflect on that number, I am filled with gratitude. Not only for the meals themselves, but for what they represent, thousands of people choosing to help others at a time when many are facing challenges of their own.
“To every customer who donated at the till, thank you. Your generosity will help FoodForward SA and its network of community partners support families and communities across South Africa.”
Also read: Young and old KnitWits keep 67 Blankets for Mandela Day kindness alive
Throughout the year, the retailer donates surplus food through FoodForward SA’s food recovery network, helping redirect quality food to thousands of communities where it is needed most. Hunger month serves as a platform to raise awareness, inspire action, and encourage broader participation from customers, suppliers, and partners.
Through a network of more than 2 200 beneficiary organisations, FoodForward SA helps provide food assistance to close to one million vulnerable South Africans every day.
In KwaZulu-Natal, the Phoenix Survival Centre provides meals and support to abused, abandoned, and destitute women, while operating the area’s only mobile soup kitchen, supporting approximately 1 450 people every week.
In Khayelitsha, FoodForward SA works with 60 community organisations that collectively provide regular access to nutritious food for more than 27 000 vulnerable people. Across South Africa, beneficiary organisations support children, elderly residents, people living with disabilities, unemployed youth, and families facing food insecurity.
Also read: Witkoppen Clinic launches winter warmer campaign for comfort during the cold season
The campaign’s success was driven by an extraordinary collective effort. Customers donated more than four million meals through Food Lover’s Market, FreshStop, VetSmart, Food Lover’s Eatery, and Market Liquors stores, while suppliers, landlords, and business partners contributed the balance.
Andrew Millson, head of people and sustainability at Food Lover’s Market, said: “Reaching 16 357 829 meals in our 10th year is something that leaves us feeling incredibly humbled and deeply grateful.
“This campaign has always been about the power of collective action. It is proof that when people come together around a shared purpose, even the smallest contribution can create meaningful change.
“To every customer, supplier, colleague, and partner who has supported this campaign over the years, thank you.
This achievement belongs to all of you. Most importantly, it belongs to the communities whose lives will be changed through the work of FoodForward SA and its network of beneficiary organisations across the country.”
Andy Du Plessis, managing director of FoodForward SA, thanked Food Lover’s Market, its suppliers, customers, and colleagues for incredible contribution, noting that the funds raised will enable FoodForward SA to expand its support to rural communities, malnourished children, and its national network of beneficiary organisations across South Africa.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!
