A GREENWOOD Park resident is appealing for public support to expand a non-profit initiative aimed at helping elderly South Africans who are silently battling hunger.

Derick Lodwig, a semi-retired bricklayer with more than 50 years of experience in the construction industry, founded the NPO Feeding SA Association after witnessing the growing hardship faced by pensioners living on State grants.

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Lodwig said the idea was born after seeing first-hand how many elderly people were forced to make impossible choices between buying food and paying for basic necessities such as electricity.

“I’ve literally heard people ask whether they should buy food or electricity. Many are pawning their belongings just to survive. These are the hidden hungry – people who suffer in silence.”

The organisation, which operates under the campaign “The Hidden Hungry”, focuses much of its work in old age homes and through partnerships with church groups. Despite registering the NPO and launching the campaign, Lodwig said funding has been slow to materialise.

“So far, nobody has contributed financially to the campaign in Durban. The need is enormous, but without sustainable funding it’s difficult to operate consistently,” he said.

Although progress has been slow locally, Feed SA has found success in Johannesburg after a foundation discovered the organisation through TikTok and offered assistance with food parcels.

That partnership enabled the NPO to assist about 250 people and also led to the establishment of a youth skills development programme aimed at steering young people away from drugs and into skilled trades. The NPO is registered with the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (MERSETA).

Lodwig now hopes to replicate the Johannesburg model in Durban but said financial support remains the biggest obstacle.

“We know the model works. Now we need the funding to bring those same results to Durban,” added Lodwig.

His vision is to work alongside service clubs, churches, community organisations and donors to provide regular food hampers to elderly residents who are struggling to survive on State pensions.

The initiative aims to reduce hunger while restoring dignity and improving the mental health and well-being of vulnerable senior citizens.

Lodwig, who grew up in Redhill and has spent his life in Greenwood Park, said the project is deeply personal.

“I’ve been caught up in difficult circumstances myself. I’m using my experience and whatever I can to give back because my heart bleeds for old people. They shouldn’t have to choose between eating and keeping the lights on.”

As Feeding SA Association looks to establish a stronger presence in Durban, Lodwig is calling on businesses, foundations and the public to partner with the organisation and help ensure no pensioner goes to bed hungry.

Get in touch with Lodwig:
Cell – 067 654 6456
Email – feedsa2025@outlook.com

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