Roelf Pienaar Tru-Cape

Roelf Pienaar of Tru-Cape

It has been revealed that for every bag of Tru-Cape apples sold at coastal Food Lover’s Market stores during the month of May, FoodForward SA will feed one hungry South African.

It is estimated that 50 per cent of South African households experience hunger or food insecurity. In order to help do something about this, South Africa’s leading fresh produce retailer, Food Lover’s Market and Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, the largest supplier of South African apples and pears, have partnered with FoodForward SA to support World Hunger Day on 28 May 2017.

World Hunger Day was launched by The Hunger Project in 2011 and aims to inspire people all over the world to show their solidarity and support for the women, men and children that are enduring hunger and poverty.

Tru-Cape said in a statement that more than 795m people worldwide go to bed hungry each night.

“The focus of this year’s campaign is good nutrition,' the group outlined. 'Malnourished children often experience stunted growth and delayed physically, as well as a lack of emotional and mental development because nourishment for children begins in utero.”

Chronic hunger persists when people lack the opportunity to earn enough income, to be educated and gain skills, to meet basic health needs and to have a voice in the decisions that affect their community. World Hunger Day is about raising awareness of chronic hunger and about celebrating the achievements of millions of people who are already taking actions to end their own hunger.

Andrew Millson, head of Earth Lovers, says at Food Lover’s Market the company aspires to a South Africa that is hunger free.

“With 14m South Africans going hungry everyday, Food Lover’s Market - through its Earth Lovers pillar - wants to make a sustainable, impactful difference in the communities in which it operates,' said Millson. 'A big part of this is to address hunger through our partnership with FoodForward SA. A well balanced and sufficient diet can be the first step in breaking the cycle of poverty and hunger.”

“The goals of the Hunger Project align with our company ethos and through our partnership with Tru-Cape Apples and FoodForward SA we hope to shine a spotlight on the ongoing plight of South African families,' he added.

Tru-Cape managing director Roelf Pienaar noted: “We take our responsibility for the livelihoods of 15,200 people involved in our business very seriously as we all rely on the successful sale of South African apples and pears to put food on our tables. The good news is that Tru-Cape apples are energy rich and nutrient dense and a perfectly portable food which is affordable by many. Tru-Cape is proud to be associated with Food Lover’s Market and what The Hunger Project represents.”