FoodForward South Africa Redistributes Surplus Food Supplies

The organisation provided 82 million meals during the most recent financial year to support those facing food insecurity.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Healthy Food

Bold vector editorial illustration featuring stacked wooden pallets of fresh produce, representing efficient food surplus distribution in South Africa. — FoodForward South Africa distributed 82 million meals this past year, recovering 20,500 tonnes of surplus food through its national logistics network. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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During the most recent financial year, FoodForward South Africa distributed 82 million meals to communities across the country. The initiative utilised a network of over 2,200 beneficiary organisations to deliver 20,500 tonnes of recovered food.

Why it matters

This effort directly combats South Africa's high food insecurity rates by redirecting surplus supplies that would otherwise go to waste. The programme also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the nation's total food loss.

FoodForward South Africa distributed 20,500 tonnes of recovered food, of which 93% is classified as nutritious. The programme reached 862,820 people daily, successfully avoiding 106,600 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

The players

FoodForward South Africa

This non-profit organisation works to address hunger and food insecurity by recovering high-quality surplus food from the supply chain.

CHEP

A global company specialising in supply chain logistics that provided the handling equipment used for storing and transporting the recovered food.

The details

FoodForward SA recovers surplus food and distributes it through a national network supported by CHEP logistics equipment. This infrastructure allows for the safe storage and efficient movement of supplies to a vast range of community-based beneficiary organisations.

The distribution of 82 million meals occurred during the most recent financial year.

Culture Shift

This initiative represents a move toward circular food economies, focusing on recovering surplus before it becomes waste. It counters the standard retail model by prioritising social impact over the disposal of edible inventory.

The distribution programme ensures that essential nutritional support reaches 862,820 people every day, directly assisting households reliant on community support. Residents can benefit from these increased food supplies at participating local beneficiary organisations.

The takeaway

Reducing food waste is a key strategy for strengthening community resilience and lowering national greenhouse gas emissions. Individuals can support these goals by participating in or donating to local organisations that focus on surplus food recovery.