Mandela Day Cook-Off Sees Thousands Fed as Marriott Hotels and Chefs With Compassion Join Forces

Held annually on 18 July, the campaign honours Nelson Mandela's 67 years of service by calling on chefs, volunteers, corporates and communities to dedicate 67 minutes to fighting hunger and reducing food waste, says the duo. 

 This year, teams from 14 hotels across brands in Marriott's South African portfolio, including The Westin, Marriott Hotels, AC Hotels by Marriott and Protea Hotels by Marriott are taking part. Volunteers from each hotel will cook as much soup as possible in the 67-minute window, using donated, surplus or rescued ingredients that would otherwise have gone to waste, adds the duo.  The meals are being distributed by Chefs with Compassion to non-profit organisations and community kitchens across the country, offering immediate relief through warm, nutritious food, says the duo.  "Hospitality is about service every day, but Mandela Day challenges us to take that service beyond our doors into the communities we serve," says Johann Nortje, Chairperson of Marriott International's Southern Africa Business Council.

"Working with Chefs with Compassion allows us to use our skills and resources to fight hunger, reduce waste and honour Madiba's legacy."  Chefs with Compassion estimates that more than 10-million tonnes of food are wasted annually in South Africa, while over 20-million people face hunger. The #67000litres Challenge, now in its sixth year, tackles both issues by transforming surplus food into nourishing meals. Since 2020, it has produced over 450 000 litres of soup and delivered more than 1.8-million servings nationwide, adds the duo.

"Feeding the hungry is one of the most powerful acts of service," says Chef Coovashan Pillay, Founding Director of Chefs with Compassion and Food and Beverage Manager at Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Wanderers. "With Marriott's support, we're able to reach more communities and make a bigger impact in the fight against hunger."  Chefs with Compassion is a volunteer-driven organisation that connects chefs, hospitality teams and community groups to rescue edible food and serve those most in need, concludes the duo. 

For more information, visit www.marriott.com. You can also follow the Marriott International on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor