FoodBank opens nine meal centres

The project was made possible with the partnership of the the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD).

Managing Director of FoodBank SA, Andy du Plessis, says that the centres are currently operated by local community-based organisations who serve hot meals to the hungry. Two CNDCs are now based in Hanover Park and in Khayelitsha. Other CNDCs are situated in Manenberg, Bonteheuwel, Langa, Nyanga, Philippi, Gugulethu and KTC townships. In the Eden District, CNDCs are located in Thembalethu, Skuinskraal and Pacaltsdorp.

"We are thrilled at the prospect of taking our expertise in food security to a new level with the assistance of the DSD. The key guiding principle driving the CNDC project is the protection of dignity of South Africans," says Du Plessis.

Equipment and training

Together the DSD, the funding partner, and FoodBank SA ensure that kitchens are equipped and that food handlers and volunteers are trained in food safety, managing payments and completing information. Currently, the cost of providing a plate of food is as little as R5.00, which includes the cost of food, gas and stipends for food handlers. Approximately 3,300 people receive meals each day and 45 new jobs have been created.

Du Plessis says that the DSD broached the idea of the CNDCs to FoodBank SA, based on a highly successful Brazilian model known as Popular Restaurants. "As the centres become more established, it is our goal to improve on the model by offering skills development programmes and vegetable gardens that will supply our kitchens which will help to make each centre more sustainable. In doing so, we will be able to cut back on costs and reach even more people.

"Increasing our involvement with emerging farmers is also a priority, providing a market channel for their produce, and helping to build community resilience," concludes Du Plessis.