DHL Express launched its 1 million meals campaign on World Food Day (WFD) in an effort to support South African food distribution charities with the goal of delivering 1 million meals to those in need before the end of December 2020.
“2020 has certainly tested us all and delivered a stark reminder of how important it is to give back to the communities in which we operate. Food security is a critical social issue and we are thrilled to be in a position to support some worthy charities during this time,” said Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express, Sub-Saharan Africa.
The logistics company is working with a robust group of charities to ensure that they reach as many people as possible. According to Megan Collinicos, VP marketing, DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa: “The campaign also provides a wonderful opportunity for our teams in South Africa to get involved from a volunteer perspective for the duration of the campaign”, said Megan Collinicos, VP marketing, DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa.
One of the charities to benefit from this initiative is FoodForward SA. Established in 2009 to address widespread hunger in South Africa, the organization also connects a world of excess to a world of need by recovering edible surplus food from farmers, manufacturers and retailers, for redistribution to registered beneficiary organisations that serve the poor.
“We rely on partnerships to implement our surplus food strategies that serve the poor. “Prior to the Covid-19 lockdown, FoodForward SA served 670 registered beneficiary organisations (255,000 people). We currently serve 1,000 beneficiary organisations (412,000 people). In the last financial year, we distributed 5,115 tonnes of food, whereas, in the last six months alone, we distributed 5,300 tonnes of food,” added Andy Du Plessis, FoodForward SA Managing Director.
