Food Lover’s Market has marked the 10th anniversary of its Hunger Month campaign by helping fund a record 16 357 829 meals through its partnership with FoodForward SA.

The result exceeded the campaign’s target of 10 million meals by more than 63%, making it the most successful Hunger Month drive since its launch in 2016.

A total of 37 857 829 meals have now been funded.

Food Lover’s Market Group CEO Brian Coppin thanked customers, suppliers and partners for their support.

“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,” he said.

The campaign was supported by Food Lover’s Market family brands FreshStop, VetSmart, Food Lover’s Eatery and Market Liquors. Customers donated more than four million meals through stores nationwide, while suppliers, landlords and business partners contributed the balance.

Food Lover’s Market said the campaign highlights the challenge of food insecurity in South Africa, where millions experience hunger despite large volumes of food being lost or wasted each year.

Beyond Hunger Month, the retailer donates surplus food through FoodForward SA’s food recovery network, which supports close to one million vulnerable South Africans daily through more than
2 200 beneficiary organisations. FoodForward SA managing director Andy Du Plessis said the funds raised would help expand support to rural communities, malnourished children and organisations assisting vulnerable people across the country.