Food insecurity is a major problem in South Africa, impacting at least 15 million people despite the country being a major food producer.
Recently, Agrimark joined the global community in commemorating World Food Day under the theme: “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.” This annual observance, led by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to ensure food security for all.
As part of its broader sustainability strategy to combat hunger, Agrimark donated R50,000 worth of non-perishable food to support the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) and Casidra’s (Cape Agency for Sustainable Integrated Development in Rural Areas) 2025 World Food Day celebrations in Moorreesburg. The event launched a series of impactful food-security initiatives across the Swartland region, providing vital support to local NGOs and soup kitchens serving vulnerable communities in Moorreesburg, Kalbaskraal, and Abbotsdale.
By partnering with government, industry and food distribution organisations, Agrimark demonstrates that combining resources, expertise, and a shared vision ensures that nutritious meals reach the communities that need them most. “World Food Day is about more than raising awareness; it’s about action. Agrimark’s support strengthens our reach and demonstrates how partnerships in the fight against food insecurity can contribute directly to hunger-relief efforts in communities,” says Dr Keith du Plessis, CEO of Casidra.
Agrimark’s donation is closely aligned with its flagship Harvesting Hope programme, which sits at the heart of its strategy to reduce food waste and strengthen local food systems. Launched to rescue surplus produce from commercial and small-scale farms and channel it to households in need, Harvesting Hope has rescued hundreds of tonnes of fresh produce, provided over 3,5 million meals to vulnerable communities, and supported small-scale farmers by connecting them with reliable markets and fair opportunities since its inception.
Through Harvesting Hope, Agrimark continues to demonstrate that World Food Day is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a call to action to strengthen agriculture and improve lives in the communities where it operates.
From left to right, Barend Sulvester, Senior Manager: Sustainability, and Taasha Thorne, CSI Officer from Agrimark, and Dr Mogale Sebopetsa, Head of Department: Agriculture, Western Cape.
Tasneem Sulaiman-Bray, Director: Corporate Affairs, notes: “Harvesting Hope shows that what may be excess for some can be life-changing for others. It’s about turning opportunity into impact for farmers, communities, and the food system as a whole.”
Agrimark’s food-security efforts form part of a sustained, long-term pledge aligned with international development goals and local realities, says Tasneem. “Our commitment to food security directly supports the United Nations’ Zero Hunger goal and is a core pillar of our Socio-economic development strategy. By leveraging our resources and networks, we ensure every initiative, every partnership, and every rescued meal has a meaningful impact. Through initiatives like these, we’re not only providing nutritious food to vulnerable communities, but also strengthening local food systems, supporting small-scale farmers, and powering growth from farm to fork.”