We are excited to announce that FoodForward SA (FFSA) has been nominated as a potential candidate for the 2026 Earthshot Prize, one of the world’s most prestigious environmental awards.
This nomination recognises the climate-positive impact of our surplus food recovery model. By rescuing good-quality food before it reaches landfills, we prevent methane emissions – a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide – while delivering nutritious meals to vulnerable communities across South Africa. Every kilogram of food recovered is a win for both people and the planet.
Since our founding, FFSA has recovered over 133 million kilograms of edible surplus food, more than 534 million meals, through a network of close to 2,500 verified beneficiary organisations, reaching nearly one million people daily.
The Earthshot Prize, founded by HRH Prince William in 2020, celebrates urgent, innovative solutions that repair the planet by 2030. Each year, five winners receive £1 million (R21 million) to scale projects restoring nature, cleaning the air, reviving oceans, building a waste-free world, and fixing the climate. Our nomination places surplus food recovery firmly on the global stage as a tangible climate solution.
“We are honoured to be nominated,” says Andy Du Plessis, Managing Director of FFSA. “It underscores that surplus food recovery is a dual investment: preventing methane emissions while tackling food insecurity at scale. Our focus remains on measurable impact and strong partnerships that allow us to expand this work nationwide.”
The nomination was submitted by Marlene Ogawa, Country Director of Synergos South Africa and an approved Earthshot Prize nominator. “FFSA’s science-backed approach and innovative FoodShare platform make their impact measurable, scalable, and globally relevant,” she says.
While the 2026 finalists have yet to be announced, this nomination itself affirms that climate-positive food recovery matters on a global stage. We remain committed to accelerating systemic change and delivering solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives, and for the planet.
