MEAL kit delivery service and authorised essential food service UCook has launched the UCook Food Fund in partnership with FoodForward South Africa, the Philippi Economic Development Initiative (PEDI) and Ladles of Love. CEO David Torr says the fund has one central directive: to feed as many South Africans in need as possible. He says that with every meal kit purchased, UCook will donate a portion of sales to the fund.
Torr says South Africa’s food system is facing a moment of crisis. “The economic fallout caused by the lockdown is affecting both farmers and suppliers, and while the food system tries to right itself, the people who will be most affected by the lockdown are those experiencing homelessness and those who can no longer afford to find a meal.”
The UCook Food Fund will drive the efforts of PEDI, Ladles of Love and UCook’s nutritious food parcel programme, which ensures people in need receive packs of fresh vegetables and essential foods. In addition, the fund will further assist FoodForward SA to distribute surplus food from the supply chain to people in need.
“This initiative will enable the three partners to significantly scale their efforts, reaching a dramatically higher number of people in need of food,” says Torr. “We find ourselves in an incredibly privileged position to be able to continue our service during the national lockdown period and we take the duty very seriously,” he adds.
“FoodForward SA is proud and excited to team up with UCook so together, we can reach thousands of vulnerable households with nutritious food to sustain them during this very challenging time,” says managing director Andy du Plessis.
“The partnership between UCook, Ladles of Love and PEDI is like a family. We’re committed to working as one for the benefit of the people who need help,” says Paul Stöhrer, PEDI’s programme manager.
Torr says the fund, and ability to assist, is not reserved only for UCook customers, “We’ve integrated with SnapScan and Zapper to make instant donations simple on our website.”
Click here to learn more and donate.
