South Africa produces enough food to feed its entire population. Yet, one third of all food produced ends up in landfills, while more than 13.8 million people are living without the security of regular meals.
Food logistics is one of the contributing factors in food waste, which costs South Africa R61.5-billion a year according to a research done by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research CSIR .The increase in food transport not only has a negative impact on the economy and environment but also has increased risk to food quality, safety, security, and traceability.
Food waste occurs at several points along the food supply chain and the most costly food waste takes place during food distribution, amounting to a R19.6-billion loss, followed by processing and packaging that account for a R15.6-billion loss and agricultural production, with a R12.5-billion loss.
In an effort to address food waste, FoodBank South Africa rescues close to 4 million kilograms of food annually, with an estimated value of R97 million which is distributed to 500 verified non-profit organisations who provide meals to 115, 000 beneficiaries throughout South Africa. Because of its national infrastructure FoodBank SA has the capacity to access large quantities of food and provide this food to households vulnerable to hunger, at a cost of only R 1.19, making foodbanking a cost effective solution to the problem of food waste.
To help reduce food waste, companies can partner with FoodBank SA on its food rescue programme in order to distribute this food to many who need it the most.
For more information about FoodBank SA and how you can partner with us, visit www.foodbanksa.org or contact us on 021 531 5670, email at info@foodbanksa.org