FoodForward SA | Good Business Journey | Woolworths SA

In support of the UN’s #ZEROHUNGER by 2030 goal, we continue to collaborate with our existing food security and disaster relief NGO partners to provide hunger relief, especially during these challenging times of COVID-19. 

Together with FoodForward SA, we’re increasing the accessibility of food by effectively distributing surplus food through charity networks. Since 2020, we’ve donated 1,176,471 meals. 

The Woolworths and FoodForward SA partnership dates back to 2018, with funding and support given to help FoodForward SA reach its goals of ending hunger with long-term solutions. Three years ago, we signed an agreement which has seen FoodForward SA receive R1 million per year [over the 3-year period] from us.  In June 2021, they aligned to the Woolworths intent to make a long-term difference.

Says Zinzi Mgolodela, Director Corporate Affairs: “Supporting programmes that address food security has been a key part of our strategy to make a meaningful difference in South African communities. We are satisfied that our funding to FoodForward SA is making a tangible difference, especially addressing the critical area of rural food insecurity, through the mobile rural depots, as well as providing meaningful employment opportunities to previously unemployed youth, through the supply chain youth internship programme.” 
Also, after a pilot project lasting over a year, FoodForward SA also rolled out FoodShare, its virtual food banking programme, which links beneficiary organisations to food stores for the regular collection of surplus food. This will be linked to Woolworths’ charities. The rollout started in the Western Cape Region and is planning to rollout to other regions shortly.