An alliance of five local and global organisations, backed by over 300 chefs, restaurant owners and volunteers is helping feed countless people during this pandemic.
Chefs with Compassion has been turning surplus rescued produce into flavoursome, nutritious curries and stews. According to Food Loss and Waste: Facts and Futures, South Africa produces around 31-million tonnes of food every year.
Of that, 10-million tonnes is wasted, 44% of which is vegetables and fruits.
In its first week, the group produced 2 355 meals for nine beneficiary organisations.
The opportunity to expand the movement into a national initiative was realised with the formation of an alliance between NOSH Food Rescue NPC, Slow Food International, the South African Chefs Association, Slow Food Chefs Alliance SA, and Strategic PR. Subsequently, Chefs with Compassion, a new Not for Profit Company, was formed.
By the first week of May, the number of beneficiary organisations had grown to 28, receiving 11 749 meals from nine kitchens.