Following the Daily Maverick article about families facing severe food crisis in Bushbuckridge and children taking turns to eat. FoodForward SA facilitated an intervention, that prompted some of their long-standing food donors to respond to the deepening food insecurity crisis in Mpumalanga’s Bushbuckridge area.
In a powerful demonstration of unity amongst competing food producers Tiger Brands, Danone, RCL Foods, DoMore Foundation, and OneFarm Share all answered the call to provide food assistance in Bushbuckridge, with a special focus on school-going children.
On the 23 of April, we all came together to officially launch a food relief initiative aimed at supporting 2,500 vulnerable people in the coming months. The launch took place in the Mavijan district and brought together community leaders, food donor partners, and civic organisations. In attendance were Ms Sylvia Mathebula from the Mayor’s Office, local traditional leader Mr Malele, and Ward Councillor Mr Butha Mashale — all showing strong support for this urgent intervention.
As part of the launch, FFSA handed over nutritious food groceries and new kitchen equipment to their local beneficiary partner, Christelik Maatskaplike Raad Van Bosbokrand (CMR), FFSA’s beneficiary organisation that will provide cooked meals daily for the local community. With these vital resources, CMR will be able to expand its outreach and serve those most in need with immediate effect, while FFSA expands the beneficiary organisation (BO) network in the region.
“This is not just a donation — it’s an investment, and the beginning of a broader commitment to food justice and better access to food in the region,” says Andy Du Plessis, Managing Director, FoodForward SA.
This collaborative intervention is truly unique, and we are so appreciative of the generous support from our awesome food producer partners for making this possible, says Du Plessis. The Bushbuckridge initiative forms part of FFSA’s broader national food security strategy to deepen food access in under-served communities, strengthen grassroots community organisations that serve these communities, and ensure that nutritious food reach those in need. As food prices rise and economic pressures mount on households, these targeted efforts are vital to creating lasting impact.
