Under the global theme, "Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future," which aims to serve as a reminder that when people join forces, they can achieve far more than we could alone. FFSA hosted food packing events in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, says the NGO.

Across all three regions, close to 300 volunteers, donors and partners, including Kellavona, SPAR, Quantum Foods, Mars Foods, Rhodes Food Group, Marriott International, Ardagh Glass Packing, Compendium Insurance Brokers, Oceana Group, TFG, CHEP, RGA America and Capitec, and packing 1 500 boxes of staple and nutritious food. These boxes are prepared for FFSA's beneficiary organisations that collectively reach 935 100 people in need daily, adds the NGO.

The day's success aims to highlight the vital role of collective action across the food system, from corporates and retailers to manufacturers, logistics partners and NGOs. FFSA's national food packing events aim to showcase the real impact of collaboration in the fight against growing food insecurity and malnutrition, says the NGO.

Partners experience FFSA's impact first-hand by packing food boxes, sharing informal meals prepared from ingredients of surplus food, and connecting with beneficiary organisations that shared stories of hope and resilience amid the challenges they face daily. The atmosphere is one of unity and purpose, with each person playing a part in ensuring that good food reaches those who need it most, adds the NGO.

"World Food Day reminds us that hunger is a challenge no single organisation can solve alone," says Andy Du Plessis, Managing Director of FoodForward SA. "The success of today's events across the country shows what's possible when we work hand in hand. Together, we are not only providing nutritious food to those who need it most, but also building a more sustainable, food-secure future for all South Africans. Our deepest thanks go to everyone who joined us and continues to support our mission."

The World Food Day activations build on FFSA's ongoing commitment to reducing food insecurity and reducing food loss and waste. The day's activities aim to serve as a reminder that multisectoral collaboration is key to making a real difference, says the NGO.

Research shows that by 2030, a projected 582-million people globally will be chronically undernourished, more than half of them in Africa. In South Africa, one in five households face hunger, while a third of the food produced in the country goes to waste, adds the NGO.

As South Africa and the world strive for a sustainable, food-secure future, FoodForward SA's World Food Day events aim to stan as a testament to what is possible when people work cooperatively. The journey continues, and together, they can build a better food future for all South Africans, concludes the NGO.

For more information, visit www.foodforwardsa.org. You can also follow FoodForward SA on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, or on TikTok.

*Image courtesy of contributor