Western Cape farmers open their hearts to the needy

During the third week of April, Western Cape farmers donated tons of fresh produce to FoodForward SA, a nonprofit organisation assisting communities experiencing food shortages during the lockdown for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic.

According to Jannie Strydom, CEO of Agri Western Cape, South Africa would have to deal with many communities affected by food shortages during and after the lockdown period.

“As one of the most important role players in the Western Cape, the agriculture sector accepts its critical role in the well-being of the province and all its residents. The donation of fresh produce is our contribution to assist our communities in this very difficult time, and making a difference in people’s lives.”

Jeanne Boshoff, spokesperson for Agri Western Cape, said that the organisation had, to date, received donations of fresh produce amounting to between 90t and 100t for the

FoodForward SA initiative. Boshoff added that the donations had thus far been distributed to elderly care facilities and facilities caring for orphans and vulnerable children, as well as people living with HIV/Aids and tuberculosis.

Andy du Plessis, managing director of FoodForward SA, welcomed the donations of fresh produce, saying this would greatly increase the nutritional value of the food support FoodForward SA provided.

“We are distributing the food through our network of nearly 900 beneficiary organisations that [assist] households with food support.

“So far, we have provided food to around 200 beneficiary organisations, reaching an estimated 50 000 people in vulnerable communities.”

In addition, the organisation was distributing a further 85 000 food parcels around the country.

According to the executive mayor of Swellendam, Nicholas Myburg, Swellenfruit Packing, Thornlands Pack House and