World Food Day shines the spotlight on that most basic of human needs … food

No one can survive without it. Yet for many older people in South Africa, three meals a day is a luxury they simply cannot afford.

Imagine trying to stretch a R2 315 Older Persons Grant to cover rent, electricity, water, medication, toiletries, and clothing – and still have something left for food. It’s just not possible.

That’s why the 307 residents at our John Conradie and John Dunn Homes rely on us to provide them with breakfast, lunch and supper every single day. Most have no family support. Many live with chronic illnesses or disabilities that make independent living impossible.

For them, a hot meal is more than nourishment. It’s a reminder that someone still cares. That they’re not forgotten.

Thanks to our hardworking kitchen staff, we can provide healthy, balanced meals – including meat, vegetables, grains and dairy – for just R47.54 per person per day. But even that small amount adds up when you’re feeding 307 people.

We need R14 595 every day.
R437 843 every month.

Daunting numbers … until you realise that just as costs mount up when you multiply them by 307 – so too do generous donations from kind and caring people in our community.

If 307 individuals or companies stepped forward and contributed R1426 each – or 875 people each donated R500 – we could feed everyone for a month. But it does mean that we need as many people as possible to join in. Will you be one of them, please?

Whatever you can manage – R250, R500, R1000 or more – helps fill a plate. It brings nourishment, comfort and security to an older person who has nowhere else to turn.

This World Food Day, please help us serve up more than meals.
Serve up kindness. Serve up dignity. Serve up hope.

Because no one should have to grow old feeling forgotten … or hungry.