OneFarm Share, a collaboration between Standard Bank and HelloChoice, has achieved a significant milestone by distributing 100 million meals to individuals facing food insecurity. This remarkable accomplishment highlights the power of partnerships in addressing hunger.
Brendan Jacobs, head of agribusiness for business and commercial banking at Standard Bank South Africa, expressed the significance of this milestone.
“This achievement transcends mere numbers; it represents the hope, nourishment, and partnership that are essential to tackling food insecurity. The response from our farming community and the public has far exceeded our expectations,” he said.
The OneFarm Share initiative has effectively redistributed over 25 million kilograms of fresh produce throughout Mzansi, directly benefiting 1.2 million individuals, including children and families grappling with food scarcity.
The programme’s success hinges on the collaboration of 690 produce contributors and core distribution partners like SA Harvest, FoodForwardSA, and Gift of the Givers. Together, they have built a robust network that connects excess produce from farmers to the communities that need it most.
Excess produce is a common occurrence in agriculture, often resulting from market fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, or unpredictable weather patterns. OneFarm Share addresses this challenge by redistributing surplus food, significantly reducing waste and bolstering food security across the nation.
While the 100 million meals milestone is impressive, it is the individual stories behind these meals that resonate deeply. Farmers who once faced the challenge of oversupply now find purpose in their contributions, knowing that their excess produce is nourishing hungry families.
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This initiative has empowered small-scale farmers with reliable market access and timely payments, enabling them to grow their businesses while supporting their communities.
Take the inspiring story of Made with Rural, a smallholder aggregator in Gauteng. Through consistent collaboration with OneFarm Share, the organisation could offer additional work days to seasonal employees and optimise delivery logistics.
This partnership not only enhanced the operations of Made with Rural but also uplifted the small-scale producers it supports, creating valuable employment opportunities in the process.
Transforming surplus into nourishment
Another touching example comes from Mouton’s Valley Farm in Piket-Bo-Berg in the Western Cape, which faced an unexpected challenge when they had an abundant harvest of Panorama Golden Delicious apples.
Instead of allowing the surplus to go to waste, the farm donated an impressive 101 tonnes of apples to OneFarm Share. These apples were then distributed to local charities, aiding those in need while ensuring that no food went uneaten.
Community organisations, including soup kitchens and food banks, have also shared their stories of transformation thanks to OneFarm Share.
In KwaZulu-Natal, one organisation noted that the fresh produce received has enabled them to provide healthier, balanced meals. This shift from relying on tinned goods to offering nutritious options has greatly improved the physical and mental well-being of the individuals they serve.
At its core, OneFarm Share operates on a simple yet powerful principle: connecting excess produce from commercial and small-scale farmers to the people who need it most.
The initiative’s digital platform, developed with HelloChoice, allows farmers to list their available produce in real time. Once a match is made, distribution partners ensure swift delivery to registered charities.
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