IN A 1928 hit song, You’re the Cream in My Coffee, the singer pairs life’s essentials: salt with stew, laces with shoes, a captain with his crew, and ends each verse crooning, You will always be my necessity, I’d be lost without you.

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For Thembeka Gumede, The Domino Foundation’s dynamic ‘connector’, the sentiment hits close to home. Inspired by that idea of perfect pairs, she is launching the foundation’s latest community drive, “Be the peanut butter to my bread”, in celebration of World Food Day, marked annually on October 16.

“World Food Day promotes awareness of those suffering from hunger and highlights the need to ensure healthy diets for all. Peanut butter is an indispensable part of our nutrition programme. With Christmas not too far off, we’re inviting schools, churches and community groups to help keep our pantry stocked with this high-protein essential,” said Gumede.

Between the foundation’s operations in North Durban and Amanzimtoti, volunteers prepare over 150 000 sandwiches each year for learners in need, which Gumede fondly calls ‘food for thought’.

“We’re not only filling empty tummies. Peanut butter supports physical development, boosts immunity, enhances vision and even improves memory and concentration. It’s brain food in the truest sense,” she said.

She encouraged anyone eager to be part of the #DominoEffect to support the initiative. “You will always be my necessity; I’d be lost without you,” she added, echoing the song’s message of gratitude for everyone who contributes to this vital cause.

To get involved, contact Gumede by email on connect@domino.org.za or by calling 031 110 0730.

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