The Feast of Purpose event, held at The Ground Venue in Muldersdrift in Gauteng was a significant gathering that brought together stakeholders from various sectors of the agricultural value chain. The primary focus of the event was to address the pressing issue of food waste while promoting responsible production and consumption practices.
Hosted by AgriCulture South Africa in collaboration with Avbob, McCain Foodservice, and OneFarm Share, the event aimed to raise awareness about the broader implications of food choices and inspire actions towards a more sustainable future.
Dr Tracy Ledger, a food systems expert, provided valuable insights into the benefits of shorter food value chains. “By facilitating direct purchases of fresh produce at the farm gate, this approach can mitigate high food prices and make nutritious ingredients more accessible. This is particularly crucial for vulnerable populations, addressing affordability concerns and combating malnutrition, especially in children,” Ledger said.
A platform for small-scale farmers
Angus Robinson, a strategist from OneFarm Share, shared inspiring case studies from their integrated agri-impact programme. “OneFarm Share acts as a digital matchmaker, connecting food requests from registered charitable organizations with available fresh produce from producers.
“Since its inception, OneFarm Share has facilitated the distribution of over 21 555 tonnes of fresh produce, providing an astonishing 86 million meals for hungry South Africans in just over three years,” Robinson said.
OneFarm Share empowers smallholder and small-scale commercial farmers by providing them with access to markets, fair prices for their produce, and essential agronomy and business support.
The impact of OneFarm Share extends beyond hunger relief to the reduction of food waste. By providing a platform for commercial farmers and produce markets to donate or discount surplus or sub-specification produce, OneFarm Share contributes to the efficient use of resources in the food system.
Overall, the Feast of Purpose event showcased the collective efforts and purpose-driven initiatives aimed at achieving #ZeroHunger. AgriCulture South Africa’s Disaster Relief Foundation continues to champion positive change in the food ecosystem, inviting stakeholders to join hands in creating a more sustainable and equitable future.
ALSO READ: African Agri Council champions sustainable food security solutions
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