What do cream cheese, condensed milk, and leftover cake have in common? In the right hands, they become more than a dessert. They become a message of hope.
In a recent kykNET segment, SA Harvest’s very own Chef Pinky stepped into the kitchen to show how something as simple as a no-bake cheesecake can carry the spirit of resilience, creativity, and nourishment. The secret? Every ingredient in the dish was rescued food, donated by generous partners, and repurposed into something meaningful.
A Taste of Dignity: Why Recipes Matter in the Fight Against Hunger
SA Harvest is known for rescuing surplus food and redirecting it to those who need it most. But food isn’t just about calories, but rather about dignity, joy, and choice. That’s why we’re launching something special this Mandela Day:
“67 Recipes for Change”, a practical and empowering cookbook developed with our beneficiary communities in mind.
Each of the 67 recipes will help individuals and families make the most of the food they receive, whether it’s a glut of mushrooms, a tray of donated cream cheese, or leftover bread. The goal? To equip and inspire, because every person deserves to feel like a chef in their kitchen.
Cheesecake, Reimagined
In the kykNET feature, Chef Pinky whips up a refrigerated cheesecake using a simple, no-bake recipe with the following:
- Whipped cream
- Cream cheese
- Condensed milk
- Fruit for flavouring (like lemon or berries)
- A base made from crushed cake off-cuts and butter
The result is a mirror-glazed masterpiece that not only tastes delicious but also celebrates SA Harvest’s mission: nothing wasted, everything with purpose.
What’s the Difference Between Baked and No-Bake Cheesecake?
Chef Pinky’s tip: refrigerated cheesecakes are easier to make, more forgiving, and perfect for playing around with flavours. Best of all, they don’t require an oven, making them ideal for communities with limited electricity or kitchen infrastructure.
Whether it’s lemon curd, rescued blueberries, or biscuit crumbs. This cheesecake recipe is about using what you have and creating something beautiful.
Coming Soon: 67 Recipes for Change
Mandela Day reminds us that small actions can lead to big change. Our upcoming recipe book is a tribute to that idea. 67 ways to honour Madiba’s legacy through food, creativity, and community.
Stay tuned for more recipes, tips, and stories from our beneficiaries and chefs as we build a more resilient, joyful, and just food future — one meal at a time.
Get Involved
If you’re inspired by this story, here’s how you can help:
- Donate to support our mission: saharvest.org/donate
- Share this blog to spread awareness about food justice
- Follow us on social media for updates and real stories from the ground: @SAHarvest
Because we believe that food is not a privilege. It’s a right.