May 2018 – Pretoria: Addressing the hidden causes of hunger in South Africa requires partnerships that are committed to ensuring that hunger is eradicated, and that good health and wellbeing are prioritised. With an estimated 14 million people going to bed hungry every night, Potatoes SA and Meals on Wheels Community Services, through the Great South African Potato event, have prioritised nourishment in an era when malnutrition caused by a deficiency of vitamins and minerals, remains without physical symptoms.

“Food security is a complex and broad concept that needs to have the provision of nutritious and filling foods take centre stage this World Hunger Day, “says Immaculate Zinde, Marketing Manager at Potatoes SA. “With food-enrichment being a right that we are championing, and our work to educate and equip the nation with the knowledge to advance food security, we will be fulfilling the objectives of the 2018 theme ‘the hidden causes of hunger in the lives’ of approximately 18,750 people.

The Constitution of South Africa is clear about every South African citizen having the right to sufficient food, yet many do not have the means or education to ensure that this takes place. With the right to food being enshrined in the National Development Plan (NDP), the demand for those within the agricultural, manufacturing and retail sectors to do more, cannot be denied.

“As the mouthpiece of South Africa’s Potato-producers, we understand the impact and long-term benefit of potatoes as a heart-healthy starch alternative. Being rich in chromium, naturally free from fat and sodium, and providing 3 grams of fibre per serving, we believe this economical source of energy improves the nation’s health one delicious bite at a time,” adds Dr André Jooste, Chief Executive of Potatoes South Africa.

With a mission to transform lives through charity in motion, Potatoes SA’s partnership with Meals on Wheels is an integral part of the efforts to address hidden hunger in South Africa. Currently serving 2 million meals a month to more than 12 million hungry South Africans, the efforts on World Hunger Day will address the hidden causes of hunger in our communities.

Addressing the impact of community engagement as well as producing gardens, Meals on Wheels Community Services Makeover Manager, Kopano Dimpe, stated, “Hunger is the extreme materialisation of poverty and human deprivation. With dietary issues being linked to a myriad of lifestyle diseases, our partnership with Potatoes SA this World Hunger Day aims to provide nutritious meals to approximately 18,750 beneficiaries. Research shows that about 5.5 million children are suffering from hunger. Our engagement with communities is vital, as it takes positive steps in imparting knowledge about nutrition, in an affordable manner”.

“Through the Great South African Potato event, our commitment to doing our part to sustainably end hunger, was realised. We welcome the nation to join us on this journey by visiting www.potatonation.co.za,” concludes Zinde.

About Potatoes SA

Potatoes South Africa is an association incorporated under the South African Companies Act No 71 of 2008 whose main objective is to serve, protect and promote the interests of the South African potato industry. In terms of its role in the potato industry, Potatoes South Africa operates as an organisation and its structure represents a network of participating role players and individuals who have the development and competitiveness of the industry at heart.

About World Hunger Day

World Hunger Day aims to celebrate sustainable solutions to hunger and poverty. The South African Food Sovereignty Campaign (SAFSC) said that 53% of the country does not have enough food. It’s estimated that 14 million people go to bed hungry every night in this country, and 5.5 million children are suffering from hunger in South Africa.

About Meals on Wheels Community Services

Meals on Wheels Community Services South Africa (MOWCS SA) is a fully fledged and recognised non-profit organisation which believes that hunger is the extreme materialisation of poverty and human deprivation.

MOWCS SA is currently operating from six Area Offices, serving the Nine Provinces of South Africa through 210 community Kitchens. The prepared meals are delivered with our fleet of 280 Meals on Wheels Community Services delivery vehicles. Our aim is to serve the basic needs of the poorest of the poor, the vulnerable, the disabled, and the elderly, in society.

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