Standard Bank delivers 7400 tonnes of food in COVID-19 relief initiative

Standard Bank's OneFarm Share initiative has been making significant strides in the fight against food insecurity in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. The platform, which was originally developed in Uganda, aims to connect food producers with those in need through a virtual marketplace. Standard Bank CEO, Lungisa Fuzile, explained that the initiative was created to address the challenges faced by both producers with surplus food and communities experiencing severe food shortages due to disrupted supply chains. The program has already delivered 7400 tonnes of food across all nine provinces, providing over 1 million meals for those in need. Fuzile highlighted the success of the initiative, stating that they aim to further increase their impact by delivering close to 800,000 tonnes of food by the end of 2021. Working in partnership with food flow and Hello Choice, Standard Bank leverages their expertise in financial services to connect all stakeholders involved in the food supply chain. By utilizing technology and innovation, the initiative streamlines the process of distributing food to those in need, bridging the gap between surplus production and food insecurity. Fuzile emphasized the importance of collaboration between various sectors to address the ongoing challenges related to food relief, stressing the need for a united effort from both the public and private sectors. In addition to their food relief efforts, Standard Bank has also been actively involved in advocating for economic reforms in South Africa. Fuzile, a former director general of the National Treasury, commended the government's recent focus on reform agendas aimed at driving economic growth. He acknowledged the abundance of good ideas put forth by various government officials and emphasized the importance of diligent execution in realizing these reforms. Fuzile highlighted the need for strong partnerships between the government and private sector to drive growth strategies that would ultimately improve the country's economic outlook. Overall, Standard Bank's OneFarm Share initiative stands as a beacon of hope in the fight against food insecurity in South Africa. By leveraging technology, innovation, and strategic partnerships, the program has successfully delivered thousands of tonnes of food to communities in need, offering essential support during these challenging times.