Food for Life volunteers in their River Range Ranch kitchen preparing some of the meals. PICTURE: Supplied
In the face of unprecedented challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, NPO Food For Life Africa (FFLA) was established in September 2020 and has emerged as a beacon of hope and nourishment for countless individuals left without basic necessities.
As part of its on-going efforts, FFLA is gearing up for its annual rice drive fund-raiser, scheduled for Sunday September 24 at the River Range Ranch venue in Verulam.
The event promises to be a fun-filled family day with a variety of entertainment options.
Viresh Panday, one of the founders and servant CEO of Food for Life Africa,said they were aiming to collect 108 tons of rice or its cash equivalent, valued at R8000 per ton, which would provide 2 700 000 meals.
“The organisation extends an appeal to all donors and sponsors to join hands in this humanitarian cause, urging them to open their hearts and wallets to help eradicate hunger, one plate at a time. Every rand contributes significantly to providing a nourishing meal and making a lasting difference,” said Mr Panday.
He said FFLA's food relief programme stands out for its dedication to promoting strong and healthy living with a hunger-free ethos.
“FFLA adheres to the World Health Organization's guidelines to create low-cost, high-nutritional-value meals. Remarkably, just one unit of food can sustain someone for up to three days, helping combat malnourishment,” he said.
Mr Panday said over the past three years, FFLA has grown to become Africa's largest vegetarian food distribution programme, with a particular focus on schools and disadvantaged communities. Beyond its South African roots, the organisation has expanded its reach into five other African countries.
“At the core of FFLA's mission is the vision of a world where nourishment is accessible to everyone, irrespective of their circumstances. To achieve this, FFLA actively seeks collaborations and innovative solutions aimed at addressing the root causes of food insecurity. Since its inception, the organisation has provided over 12 million meals to the public, a testament to its dedication to eradicating hunger,” said Mr Panday.
With its headquarters in Verulam at the River Range Ranch, FFLA operates an industrial kitchen capable of preparing up to 30 000 meals per day at maximum capacity, provided there is sufficient financial support to sustain large-scale cooking efforts.
“On average, the kitchen produces 200 000 meals each month. The daily output of units, currently standing at 10 000, can fluctuate with a sustainable and consistent cash flow, considering the infrastructure in place,” said Mr Panday.
He said FFLA's operations were primarily funded by private companies, individuals, and generous public donations, encompassing food items, preparatory items, and cash contributions.
“Every contribution, regardless of its form, plays a vital role in the organisation's mission to combat hunger and malnutrition among impoverished communities. One distinguishing feature of FFLA is its apolitical and areligious nature, transcending religious and political boundaries in its mission to serve humanity,” he said.
Expressing his gratitude for the enthusiastic participation of businesses and individuals, Mr Panday said that each year’s target was surpassed, doubling year-on-year.
“This year's Rice Drive, to be held on Heritage Day, carries an even more ambitious target, aligning with FFLA's inherent heritage of helping others,” said Mr Panday, who has over three decades of experience in community outreach projects.
He conveyed his heartfelt thanks on behalf of FFLA's teams nationwide and beyond, for the overwhelming public support that made “the impossible possible”.
For more information, conatct the organisation on 083 259 3242 or email info@fflafrica.org or visit www.fflafrica.org