THE SAVF, in collaboration with Shoprite Holdings, launched the SAVF/Shoprite Food Card aimed at alleviating poverty.
SAVF is of the opinion that the card will make a real difference in the lives of the poor. Members of the public often don’t know how to make a safe and effective financial contribution to the poor. The food card is a handy tool that will ensure that the contribution is used to alleviate poverty, according to Marieta Kemp, SAVF Director Social Services.
About 22% of South Africans live in extreme poverty. More than 11.4 million South Africans are unable to afford the basic nutritional requirements of 2100 kilo calories a day. The food card makes it possible for the less fortunate to purchase food items, as well as non-food items, at 419 Shoprite Holding retail outlets nationwide.
The food card is similar to a gift card. Contributors load an amount of money of his choice at any of the participating retail outlets. The card is then given to person in need and he can purchase items at the stores.
The card can be reused until the amount credited is depleted, whereafter the card can be re-used by reloading funds. Donors can also choose to make a cash donation to SAVF and to request SAVF to distribute the card to needy people within the organisation’s structures on their behalf.
The food card is launched in four phases. The card is currently available at the SAVF head office in Arcadia, Pretoria.
In 2016, the card will be available at all SAVF facilities and social work offices in Limpopo, North West, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Mpumalanga. Phase three of the roll out will expand the availability of the food card to the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Free State.
The distribution of the card will be managed by SAVF affiliate organisations, being ACVV and VVA. Food cards will be available nationwide at Shoprite, Checkers, Checkers Hyper, OK and Shoprite Usave during the final phase of the roll out.
