Millions targeted for Madiba food collection
Pick n Pay and FoodForward SA are gearing up for their Mandela Day food drive, which they hope will collect 500 tons of food
LEADING up to 18 July, Pick n Pay and FoodForward SA are gearing up for their Mandela Day food drive, which they hope will collect 500 tons of food.
This target will be enough to produce two million meals. Donation trolleys have been placed in over 550 stores countrywide to encourage shoppers to make food contributions. Food donations will be collected daily and sorted on Mandela Day by volunteers at packing events across the country.
FoodForward SA will then distribute the packed food to its 530 beneficiary organisations nationally, with food do-nations made at more remote Pick n Pay stores distributed directly to surrounding beneficiaries on Mandela Day.
Suzanne Ackerman-Berman of Pick n Pay said everyone can participate, be it through donations of time or food.‘Every effort, no matter how big or small, will play a role in helping to feed those who go hungry every day.
‘By adding more stores and extending the collection period this year, we hope to increase the positive impact we have on the country’s hunger levels. ‘The Mandela Day food drive would not have grown into the success it is today without the great generosity and true ubuntu spirit from our customers and suppliers.
‘It demonstrates the positive impact we can create by working together,’ says Ackerman-Berman. Last year 151 tons of food was collected and 130 tons collected in its inaugural campaign in 2017, together equating to more than 1.1 million meals donated to beneficiaries in need.
These donations won’t only help with immediate needs, but will also assist in stocking FoodForward SA’s warehouses with staple food reserves for months when supply is low.
To reach its target of two million meals this year, the food drive is run over a three-week period compared to one collection weekend in previous years. Shoppers are encouraged to donate from a list of 15 discounted non-perishable items displayed in participating Pick n Pay stores or online, make a small cash donation at the till point or volunteer their time.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
