Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for greater private sector support in the fight against Covid-19, the Massmart board and executive committee will be donating 230 tonnes of food to non-profit food redistribution organization, FoodForward South Africa, will distribute the food to vulnerable communities. The contribution will be made via deliveries of 77 tonnes of food per month, for three months starting in April.
Acknowledging the Massmart top leadership contribution, Andy Du Plessis, Managing Director of Food Forward South Africa, said: “Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining a strong immune system. Without access to proper nutrition, the vulnerable in our society are at even greater risk, particularly with the imminent onset of winter. The next few months are going to be extremely difficult for food-insecure communities and we hope that others will follow the lead of the Massmart executive committee and their non-executive directors.”
Walmart International will match the contribution by donating a further 230 tonnes of food to FoodForward SA during the same time period. The overall combined contribution will, therefore, amount to the supply of 460 tonnes of food over three months. This contribution translates into the provision of approximately is 1.85 million meals.
“In discussion with FoodForward SA, we found that they have seen a significant increase in food insecurity arising from the Covid-19 disruption to economic activity, particularly amongst people employed in the informal sector. FoodForward is an impressive existing partner of ours and it was an easy decision to help out by making this contribution,” said Mitch Slape, Massmart Chief Executive.
In addition, Massmart has supplied or funded protective face visors to health workers, as well as hazmat suits and assorted merchandise to Covid-19 drive-through and triage testing facilities operated by Gift of Givers.
