Meals on Wheels Community Services (MOWCS) is honoured to join the global celebration of World Food Day this year, aligning its mission with the theme of fighting hunger and promoting food security. As part of the national body Meals on Wheels Community Services (MOWCS) South Africa, the organisation, remains dedicated to creating a hunger-free nation through initiatives in food security, poverty alleviation and capacity building.

Committed to a hunger-free country

MOWCS, a registered non-profit organisation (NPO), operates a vast network across the country, reaching deep into communities through six area offices and 180 community kitchens.

In the Helderberg a Meals on Wheels Community Services office is operated in Main Road, Somerset West.

With the help of 240 delivery vehicles we deliver daily meals to the most vulnerable in society, ensuring that no one goes to bed hungry.

In the past year alone the organisation has proudly served more than 31 million meals across all nine provinces, thanks to its national footprint. Yet, as unemployment continues to rise (currently at 27%) and more than 14 million people face daily hunger, the challenges are immense. Despite its efforts, MOWCS is constantly reminded of the many individuals yet to reach.

Meals on Wheels Community Services has, since 2017, embarked on upskilling its beneficiaries to decrease the queues coming to get a plate of food. This has been a game changer for both the beneficiaries and the organisation, as it has given a new perspective and hope for a changed life. Beneficiaries that were only just receiving a plate of food are now able to produce their own through backyard gardens as one of the skills taught at MOWCS. Since October last year more than 300 beneficiaries have been trained (in Confectionery, Food Preservation and Body Product manufacturing). This has seen two coops established, which are being mentored by MOWCS.

This year the service will commemorate its World Food Day on Friday (25 October). It will highlight the skills development given to the more than 300 beneficiaries and exhibit the success story of the newly-established cooperatives that will be present and showcase their products that they are producing. Meals on Wheels has supported these cooperatives with a start-up pack for all their branding needs and capital to continue operating.

“We will also be showcasing our new hydroponics tunnels that are aimed at training and inciting excitement of agriculture back to our people, smart farming and new farming innovation that does not need much land for people to start producing their meals,” said the MOWCS chief financial officer Effort Bhebhe. “It has been an exciting journey supported by our strategic partners and donors to ensure no one is left behind, organisations like Wabtec, Pepsi Co and government departments as the Department of Correctional Services have made sure that Meals on Wheels continues making the great change in the communities.”

Call to action

World Food Day is not just a time to reflect on the issues of hunger but also a moment to act. MOWCS understands that eradicating hunger requires collaboration and sustained efforts. They call on the public, businesses, and government bodies to unite with them in their mission to fight hunger through various initiatives:

Showcasing:

• Beauty Products Manufacturing – Beneficiaries will display beauty products made from plant processing, such as organic facial soaps, lip balms, and healing ointments.
• Food Preservation – Beneficiaries will present products made from preserved food, including jams, chutneys, dried fruits, and spices.
• Hydroponics – MOWCS will introduce hydroponic farming, a soil-less planting system, to local communities as part of agricultural learning, showcasing it at their academy.

Supporting:

• Sustainable Solutions – Through food security initiatives and community-driven programmes, MOWCS aims to create long-term solutions for poverty alleviation via skills development.