The Joburg FoodBank
The Joburg FoodBank is a non-profitable organization established by the Joburg Market in partnership with the City’s Health and Social Development Services.
The programme was officially launched by Johannesburg Executive Mayor Councillor Amos Masondo on Wednesday, 22 June 2005 and aims to provide for the immediate and basic needs of people affected by or infected with HIV/Aids.
During the launch, Masondo said the programme will nourish those who are most vulnerable in our society, the indigent and the orphans of the HIV/Aids pandemic.
"This partnership between the Joburg Market and the City's departments of health and social development is a demonstration of how far we can go to confront the challenge and work together to fight the disease," he said.
The market's wholesale suppliers provide the fruit and vegetables for distribution to the most vulnerable in society including orphanages, old age centres and homeless people.
The Joburg FoodBank’s value was most notably felt when several parts of Soweto were hit by devastating floods in March 2008. many people were left without homes and the Joburg Market chipped in with vegetables and fruit to help alleviate the burden felt by affected people.
Where is the food situated?
Joburg FoodBank is situated within the premises of the Joburg Market on the City Deep, Johannesburg. It is professionally operating and has a full staff compliment of dedicated people who ensure that it runs smoothly.
Why was the Food Bank founded?
The City of Johannesburg executive mayor Amos Masondo, after doing rounds in and around the golden city was exposed to the hardships faced by people, especially those affected and influenced by HIV/ AIDS. The mayor’s harrowing experience resulted in the establishment of the food bank spear-headed by the Joburg Market in a joint effort with the city’s health and social development. Although the project was originally meant to help those infected and affected, the scope has been stretched to accommodate the homeless and the old aged.
Who qualifies as beneficiaries of the Food Bank?
The beneficiaries of the food bank are not individuals but registered organizations dealing with HIV/AIDS orphans, old age homes and crèches where one finds many of the children affected and infected. The organizations must meet three of the following requirements:
- Have an NGO (non-government organization) profile;
- Must have the NPO (non profitable organization) certificate; and
- Must have completed a registration form from the FoodBank.
How many organizations are current beneficiaries?
There are currently about 250 beneficiaries/organizations on the food bank database and in addition close to a hundred from the city’s database.
Where does the food bank source its produce?
It is important that the Food Bank receive fresh produce donors in order to cope with the high demand. Some of the donors who give generously include the farmers, market agents, exporters and retailers. The donations make it possible for the FoodBank to continue distributing the much needed produce and other food stuff needed on regular basis.
Does the Food Bank compromise safety standards?
The market’s own quality food technicians determine which of the donated food is fit for human consumption. It is vital that all produce donated go through a quality assurance inspection to ensure that it is fit for human consumption.
