As Africa’s largest foodbank and a proud member of the Global FoodBanking Network (GFN), FoodForward SA was honoured to once again host delegates from emerging and growing foodbanks across the continent for the GFN Fellowship Exchange programme.

From May 21 to 24, delegates from Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria, and GFN gathered at FoodForward SA’s national office in Lansdowne, Cape Town, to learn about various functional areas at FoodForward SA.

Advancing the Global Foodbanking Network in Africa

The Global Foodbanking Network’s mission is to nourish the world’s hungry by uniting and advancing food banks. FoodForward SA is privileged to be part of this global network. The GFN Fellowship Exchange provided a valuable opportunity for the visiting foodbank representatives to enhance their understanding of critical processes at FoodForward SA.

Throughout the week-long programme, FoodForward SA’s senior management team led informative sessions, giving insights into each department’s role in the organisation. These included advocacy, beneficiary organisation management, human resources, information and communications technology, finance, food sourcing, fund development, staff management, and operations (warehousing, logistics, food safety). These intensive sessions allowed participants to delve deep into the workings of FoodForward SA.

Experiencing Cape Town’s Culture

Despite the packed schedule, our visitors also enjoyed a taste of Cape Town’s beauty and culture. Highlights included visits to the historic Bo-Kaap, panoramic views of Cape Town from the popular Signal Hill landmark, and the vibrant Mojo Market in Sea Point. Throughout the week, delegates had the chance to interact closely with the FoodForward SA national office staff, culminating in a shared lunch on their final day.

Positive Feedback from Participants

The participants provided positive feedback on the Exchange, reflecting on the applicability of their new knowledge, for example:

Question: Will you apply some of what you have learned when you return to your foodbank?
Answer: Yes, of course! Many of the lessons from this Exchange will be applied in our food bank, especially the strategies and activities related to fund development, food sourcing, and financial management, as they are key topics for us as we prepare to launch our operations with force.

A Message of Gratitude from GFN

The GFN Fellowship Exchange exemplifies the power of shared knowledge and learning in the fight against global hunger, reinforcing our commitment to nourishing lives and fostering sustainable foodbanking practices across Africa. Gabriela Kafarhire, MEA Associate Director at The Global Foodbanking Network, expressed her gratitude to the FoodForward SA organising team: “We are so grateful for the opportunity to learn from you and exchange knowledge, perspectives, and experiences once again. Thank you for the candid conversations, the laughs, the mealtimes, and above all, the inspiration you gave to the entire 10-person delegation. I am very proud to work together to advance our missions and look forward to continuing to tell your story of leadership.”