Global chefs fight against hunger

The fundraising effort, which is the third of its kind, will have chefs showing off their culinary skills on various platforms in a bid to raise five million rand for various charities that are involved in feeding schemes for children.

According to Bill Gallagher, the patron founder of the event eighteen years ago, the idea behind the target was to feed 300 children every day for the next five years at a cost of 10 rand a day per child.

"When this started in 1993, it was called 'Operation Hunger' and we had 130 chefs and raised over one million rand. We have been committed to growing it for the last twenty years," Gallagher said.

Bidvest, one of the largest distribution companies in Africa, had initially pledged to donate 3.6 million rand, but Brian Joffe, the CEO of Bidvest, surprised everyone at the press conference when he announced that he was increasing the donation to five million rand.

"We have rich and poor people in our country; we have the advantaged and disadvantaged people and as the advantaged we have a responsibility to look after the disadvantaged. And many children from this country's history are disadvantaged," Joffe said passionately.

The main charities that have been identified as beneficiaries are the African School Feeding Scheme, Meals-on-Wheels as well as the Akali foundation that operates in Diepsloot.

Gallagher said that the charities were chosen for their credibility, recognition and how long the charity has been able to sustain itself. Another two charities in Mpumalanga and East London are being looked at as beneficiaries.

"The charities will not be given cash, but will be given foodstuffs on a regular basis, so it's a very hands-on endeavour," he said. The food will be sourced from mostly local suppliers.

South African singer PJ Powers has revived the original song she wrote in 1993 specifically for the event and all proceeds from the music track will go towards the cause.

At the moment the project is focused on children but John van Rooyen, the operation director of Southern Sun which is also a main sponsor of the event, said that longevity is the key for this project and that, with Bidvest already having given five million rand, they will hopefully be able to feed more children for more years to come.