Chefs with Compassion, South Africa’s leading culinary initiative dedicated to fighting hunger, proudly announces the launch of its fifth annual #67000litres for Mandela Day campaign. This year’s initiative marks a significant milestone as it coincides with the fifth anniversary of the campaign’s inception, born shortly after the onset of lockdown in South Africa.
The #67000litres for Mandela Day campaign invites chefs, cooks, corporates, and individuals alike to join forces in a collective effort to cook 67,000 litres of soup on Mandela Day, 18th July 2024. This initiative not only honours the legacy of Nelson Mandela but also addresses the pressing issue of food insecurity across the nation.
Building on the remarkable success of the 2023 campaign, which saw an overwhelming 104,360 litres of soup cooked by 114 dedicated participants, Chefs with Compassion aims to once again surpass expectations. Participants from diverse backgrounds – including chefs, community caterers, NGOs, and caring corporates – will unite to cook and distribute nutritious meals to those in need.
“Chefs with Compassion is thrilled to embark on the fifth edition of the #67000litres Challenge,” said Chef Coo Pillay, founding director of Chefs with Compassion. “This campaign symbolises the power of unity and compassion within South Africa’s culinary community. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of thousands facing hunger.”
Over the past four years, the campaign has seen a tremendous outpouring of support, resulting in a total of 1,373,564 cups of soup served to those in need:
– 2020: 309,820 cups
– 2021: 283,588 cups
– 2022: 362,716 cups
– 2023: 417,440 cups
As the fifth anniversary of this impactful campaign is commemorated, it is important to recognise the increasing hunger statistics over the last four years. According to recent reports, food insecurity has been on the rise, with more South Africans facing hunger due to economic challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A special highlight of this year’s campaign is the generous support from the poultry industry. Astral and Country Bird Holdings have each donated chicken worth R67,000. TopLay has joined the initiative for the first time, donating 67 dozen eggs in both Cape Town and Johannesburg. These contributions are vital for the community kitchens that collect rescued food weekly from Chefs with Compassion, cook nutritious meals, and feed hungry people. The poultry industry’s participation, along with the Joburg Fresh Produce Market’s donation of fresh vegetables, makes it possible for these kitchens to participate in the challenge.
