In partnership with Africa’s largest disaster response and non-governmental organisation, Gift of the Givers Foundation, and South Africa’s largest food redistribution organisation, FoodForward SA, an initial consignment of 90 tons of food has been donated since July 20. These include much-needed items such as rice, baby formula, peanut butter, coffee, canned fish, and maize meal. Further deliveries are scheduled for next week.

“Collectively, these funds will help further strengthen the food bank system in the region and its ability to provide residents access to nutritious food during the aftermath of the riots and beyond,” Massmart said in a statement.

Massmart spokesperson Brian Leroni says Gift of Givers and FoodForward SA are distributing the food primarily to food kitchens and shelters, frail care centres, orphanages and old age homes in vulnerable communities in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Massmart has a reputation for being a first responder to local communities in times of need. In addition, Walmart and Massmart are committed to assisting the socio-economic recovery of KwaZulu-Natal,” he said.

“An important part of this involves assisting the recovery of local communities, hence our involvement in improving food security in those vulnerable communities affected by the recent unrest.”

He added that Massmart has already distributed 8 000 food packages to all its staff in the province.

“Our hearts go out to the associates and customers impacted by the recent events in KwaZulu-Natal,” said JP Suarez, Regional CEO at Massmart.

Moneyweb/Palesa Mofokeng