11 September 2024

Outside the Bowl Africa Launches "Million Meals in 5 Days” Campaign to Combat Child Hunger

Submitted by: Clayton Morar Save to Instapaper

Outside the Bowl Africa, a non-profit organisation based in Paarl, South Africa, is thrilled to announce the launch of its "Million Meals in 5 Days" campaign, kicking off this week. This ambitious initiative aims to provide one million nutritious meals within a five-day period.

Loren Erasmus, Executive Director at Outside the Bowl Africa, explained the motivation behind this campaign:"The Million Meals in 5 Days campaign is inspired by the tremendous success of last year's One Million Meals initiative. The support we received underscored the urgent need to address food insecurity among vulnerable children. With many families still facing economic challenges, it’s crucial to provide these children with the nutritious meals they need to thrive. This campaign is not just about feeding children; it’s about building a foundation for a healthier and brighter future."

The Meals: VitaKidz and Maxi Blend

The campaign will feature VitaKidz and Maxi Blend Amazing Meals, both specially designed to meet the nutritional needs of growing children.

VitaKidz is a fortified maize product packed with essential vitamins.
Maxi Blend offers a balanced mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and nutrients.

These meals are vital in combating malnutrition and supporting the physical and cognitive development of children.

Community Engagement and Funding Goals

To achieve the goal of providing one million meals in five days, the campaign will involve community engagement, partnerships, and social media outreach. Volunteers, schools, businesses, and faith-based organisations will mobilise to distribute meals to those most in need. The campaign aims to raise R2.5 million to cover the costs of sourcing ingredients, production, and distribution.

Erasmus added:"Every donation, no matter the size, contributes directly to achieving this ambitious goal. We are mobilising a large network to ensure the meals reach the children who need them most."

How to Get Involved

Supporters can contribute to the campaign in various ways:

Monetary donations to fund the meals
Volunteering their time
Organising fundraising events in their communities

"Every bit of support helps us reach more children in need," says Erasmus.

Impact on Communities

The campaign will focus on underserved areas across South Africa, including the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and Gauteng."Our goal is to reach communities where the need is greatest," says Erasmus.The success of the campaign will be measured by the number of meals distributed and the long-term health and development benefits observed in the communities served.

About Outside the Bowl Africa

Outside the Bowl Africa was born from a dream of Mark Maingard, an entrepreneur who shifted from corporate pursuits to feeding the less fortunate after a powerful, divine vision to "feed my children." In 2016, Maingard partnered with Jae and Debra Evans from Outside the Bowl, and together, they transformed a facility in Paarl into a hub for feeding thousands of hungry children.

Mark's vision evolved into the creation of VitaKidz Instant Energy Meal, designed to provide instant nutrition on a massive scale. Today, the organisation’s efforts, through campaigns like Million Meals in 5 Days, aim to fight child hunger across South Africa.