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, while vulnerable households are forced to skip meals, reduce portions and make impossible choices about who gets to eat.

Also read: Help transform lives by donating food, blankets

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 more than 16.3 million meals, making it the most successful Hunger Month campaign in the retailer’s history. 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 number of meals funded through Hunger Month since its launch in 2016 to more than 37.8 million meals.

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.

“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,” said Brian Coppin, CEO of the Food Lover’s Market Group.

He added, “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.”

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