FoodFoward SA feeding South Africa’s hungry amid COVID-19 crisis

The COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa has brought about a surge in the number of people facing hunger as a result of losing their incomes abruptly. President Ramaphosa's recent announcement of a R500 billion stimulus package has aimed to address the issue of food insecurity in the country. Andy Duplessis, Managing Director of FoodFoward SA, one of the largest distributors of food in South Africa, commended the government's efforts in providing financial aid that will reach households directly through social grants and special COVID-19 grants. While this move is welcomed, Duplessis highlights the need for a more detailed plan to ensure that the funds reach the intended beneficiaries effectively. He emphasizes the importance of the stimulus package in complementing organizations like FoodFoward SA in reaching vulnerable communities with much-needed food supplies. The organization primarily operates by recovering surplus food from the supply chain, receiving donations from retailers and partnering with companies like Mass Mart to provide meals to those in need. Despite these efforts, the number of people requiring food assistance has seen a significant increase since the start of the lockdown, with FoodFoward SA now supporting over 900 beneficiary organizations, up from 670 in a span of just three weeks. The surge in demand for food aid has highlighted the growing food security crisis in the country. Duplessis acknowledges the challenges faced by non-profit organizations in meeting the increasing demand for food assistance, stressing the urgent need for a collective effort to prevent the health crisis from escalating into a hunger crisis. He points out that the fear of going hungry outweighs concerns about contracting the coronavirus among the most vulnerable in society. With the number of COVID-19 infections in South Africa still relatively low compared to the population size, the focus remains on securing access to food to prevent malnutrition-related diseases and alleviate the burden on the public health sector. The importance of addressing both the health and hunger crises simultaneously is paramount to safeguarding the well-being of the nation. As the situation continues to unfold, organizations like FoodFoward SA play a crucial role in bridging the gap between surplus food resources and those in need, demonstrating the resilience and unity needed to combat the challenges brought about by the pandemic.