Food Waste Action Week is a global campaign that shines a spotlight on one of the most urgent challenges of our time: the staggering amount of food wasted across the value chain. For South Africa, this issue is deeply personal. Every year, more than 10 million tonnes of food are wasted, while 1 in 3 South Africans face food insecurity.
For us at SA Harvest, food waste is not just an environmental crisis, it is a moral one. Our mission is clear: rescue surplus food and deliver it to those who need it most.
The Connection Between Food Waste and Hunger
Food waste and hunger are two sides of the same coin. Perfectly good food is discarded at farms, factories, retailers, and households, while millions of people go to bed hungry each night. Every wasted meal is a missed opportunity to nourish someone in need.
The tragedy is that nutrients‑rich fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes are thrown away, while families struggle to afford basic food necessities. Malnutrition leaves people vulnerable to illness and disease, and the economic cost of food loss runs into billions of rand annually. Closing this gap is not just about reducing waste, it is about restoring dignity, protecting health, and ensuring that no South African has to face hunger.
How We Are Closing the Gap
Since 2019, we have built a nationwide logistics network that connects surplus food to hungry communities. Together with our partners, we have achieved:
This is more than charity. By redirecting surplus food, we are tackling hunger at its root while reducing the shocking levels of waste in our food system.
From Rescue to Redistribution – See How SA Harvest Transforms Surplus Food into Hope.
Daily Actions That Matter
Food Waste Action Week is about more than statistics. It is about empowering people to make small, daily changes that add up to a big impact. We encourage everyone to:
Busting Myths
Misconceptions about food rescue often hold back the movement and stop people from seeing its true value. By challenging these myths, we can build trust, encourage participation, and show that food rescue is a powerful sustainability solution that strengthens communities.
The Bigger Picture
Food Waste Action Week reminds us that every wasted meal is a missed opportunity to nourish someone in need. By working together – communities, corporates, and policymakers – we can build a future where food waste is no longer tolerated, and hunger is no longer accepted.
As Chef Pinky Tshabalala says: “Respecting food means respecting people. When we use everything, when we waste nothing, we are building dignity into every bite.”