You can join MasterChef Australia’s judges in packing food for hungry children

asterChef Australia hungry children. MasterChef Australia first aired in 2009 (the latest season is scheduled to return to South African television in December), the same year that Stop Hunger Now Southern Africa was established. The three are delighted to be sharing a platform for a worthy cause.

Stop Hunger Now Southern Africa, under the guidance of chief patron Graça Machel, provides nutritious meals to the country’s destitute and hungry children.

The meals are fully balanced — a soy meal fortified with 23 essential minerals and vitamins, rice and a soup mix — are specially formulated according to Unicef standards to combat hunger and malnutrition. Each bag supports 10 children and requires only water, 30-40 minutes’ cooking time using electricity, gas or wood.

Says Calombaris: “As chefs, we have a role to play in focusing attention on world hunger and helping eradicate it. It’s not just about eating well but ensuring that everyone has enough to eat.”

Saira Khan, CEO of Stop Hunger Now Southern Africa, said the organisation conducted meal-packaging events because it was as important to engage as many people as possible in the effort to eradicate hunger. “The events also serve as a platform to educate people about hunger, what they can do about it and to inspire them to take further action,” said Khan.

The three judges take part in Sandton City’s The Longest Dinner Table on Wednesday September 7, from 6.30 to 8pm and members of the public are encouraged to come and meet the trio and help pack meal parcels for Stop Hunger Now. Participation is free.