In commemoration of this year’s World Food Day and its call to action for sustainable food systems worldwide, a dedicated group of Woolworths employees from Shelley Beach and Scottburgh stores joined forces with Thanda.  Together, they worked tirelessly to improve food security and income generation for the local Mtwalume community.

For over a decade, non-profit organisation, Thanda has been working in the community of Mtwalume to improve childcare, early childhood education, after school care and food security through its organic farming initiative. Woolworths, recognising the vital work that they do, has forged a partnership with Thanda’s Organic Farming programme to expand their project and continue to assist over 800 small-scale and household farmers in the programme.  The programme focuses on upskilling and empowering individuals mainly women through ongoing mentoring and support, to sustainably improve household nutrition, strengthen self-reliance, and build a local economy.

Reflecting on the experience, Rani Naicker store manager of Woolworths’ Shelly Beach store said, “It was a remarkable opportunity for us to visit Thanda and work in their organic vegetable farm.  We gained valuable insights into growing food for one’s community and responsibly utilising our precious water resources.  It was heart-warming to see the passion, love and commitment the team at Thanda have for their organisation and was truly an inspiring ‘day in the office’ for all of us. “

“Acknowledged on 16 October, this year’s World Food Day theme is to ‘Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind, ’emphasises the urgency of wise water use and calls for all of us to go out into our communities to help build a sustainable world for everyone and everywhere to ensure regular access to enough nutritious food.  A #zerohunger world by 2030. Woolworths aligns itself with the UN Food and Agricultural mandate to ‘Leave No One Behind’ and is a long-standing advocate for eradicating hunger in South Africa.  Over the past year, the retailer has allocated R 5.6 million in donations to organisations like Thanda and has donated 11,325 tonnes of surplus food to 890 charities nationwide directly from its stores.

Zinzi Mgolodela, Woolworths Corporate Affairs Director affirmed.” For many years, Woolworths has been steadfast in its commitment to making a positive and sustainable impact on alleviating hunger in South Africa. We firmly believe that food security and access to food are fundamental human rights. Our ongoing support for organisations like Thanda underscores our dedication to enabling communities across South Africa to thrive and become self-reliant in their food production efforts.”

By joining hands with Thanda to commemorate World Food Day, Woolworths employees exemplify the collective effort needed to foster food security and sustainable livelihoods in communities that need it most. Together, they are making strides towards a #zerohunger world by 2030, embodying the spirit of compassion and empowerment that lies at the heart of this global movement.