During times of crisis, it is vital to recognise our shared humanity and support those in need whenever possible. Thanks to a partnership between SPAR South Africa and the NGO Operation Hunger, 3,000 less fortunate families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Gauteng province have received much-needed food parcels.

The two organisations describe this donation as their humble part in fighting the increase of food insecurity and malnutrition brought on by the outbreak of the coronavirus.

As part of the #FeedaFamily Campaign, the food hampers were delivered during the week of 25 to 29 May and distributed to families in Alexander, Cosmo City, Honeydew, Katlehong, Rondebult, Tembisa, and Vanderbijl.

The hampers included staple food items such as milk, maise meal, tea, sugar, cooking oil, salt, and beef stock, to name a few things. A group of volunteers and SPAR employees packaged the food parcels and upon distribution, provided beneficiaries with community-based educational training on COVID-19.

Sandy Bukula, Interim CEO of Operation Hunger, said: “The contribution of food products has bolstered ongoing efforts to improve access to food for all throughout the lockdown period of the pandemic. Informed by our 45 years of feeding the country in times of crisis, our #Feedafamily campaign aims to feed no less than 10,000 families. Our model of food distribution has ensured that the SPAR food donation took only seven days to feed the more than 3,000 families in and around Gauteng.”

Brett Botten, Managing Director of the SPAR South Rand Distribution Centre, said: “The donation aims to inspire people to be and do more. It is during times like these that we need to work together and support each other. SPAR is a community-based business, and we trust that our small gesture will make a difference in the lives of those affected.”

Since its establishment in 1980, Operation Hunger has reached more than 2.4 million beneficiaries. The organisation is ramping up its fundraising efforts to help the vulnerable during the COVID-19 epidemic. The Operation Hunger #Feedafamily campaign enables anyone to donate from R200 up on their website towards food parcels and sanitising packs for a vulnerable family.

Source: SPAR South Africa

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About SPAR South Africa

SPAR South Africa was established in 1963 and operates four retail formats: SPAR, SPAR Express (operated in conjunction with Shell as a petrol forecourt store), KWIKSPAR (which focuses on convenience in city centres and high footfall locations) and SUPERSPAR (similar to EUROSPAR in offer).

South Africa was the first country outside of Europe to join the SPAR organisation. The SPAR Group Ltd South Africa grants sub-licences to independent retailers to operate stores under one of the four formats, with almost all of the current store portfolio being independently owned.