Now in its ninth year, this collaboration has become a powerful engine for change. Over 100 million meals have already been distributed nationwide, says Food Lover's Market. 

Through Food Lover's Market's annual in-store Hunger Month campaign, customers were encouraged to add as little as R0.50 at checkout, enabling everyday South Africans to continue to play a vital role, showcasing how even the smallest of donations can make a lasting impact, adds the retailer.

This year's milestone includes a donation of over 100 tons of quality surplus food, valued at R3.5-million — the largest single contribution ever made by Food Lover's Market to FoodForward SA, says Food Lover's Market. 

"This record-breaking donation, made possible by Food Lover's Market's incredible generosity and leadership, is a powerful testament to what can be achieved when organisations unite," says Andy Du Plessis, Managing Director of FoodForward SA. "Their enthusiastic and consistent drive ensures this massive volume of food translates directly into millions of meals, reaching those who need it most and amplifying our mission to reduce food insecurity and food waste."

The retailer says the food is efficiently distributed via FoodForward SA's national network of over 2 500 beneficiary organisations, reaching nearly 1 million vulnerable people daily. This impactful initiative, championed by the retailer, not only alleviates hunger but also diverts nutritious, edible food surplus to create a sustainable and equitable food system.

Food Lover's Market concludes that as South Africa grapples with an affordability crisis resulting in growing food insecurity at the household level, this campaign, driven by Food Lover's Market in partnership with FoodForward SA, stands as a beacon of hope, proving that collective effort can build a food-secure future.

For more information, visit www.foodloversmarket.co.za. You can also follow Food Lover's Market on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor