KFC’s Add Hope initiative has raised R1 billion to fight hunger in South Africa, providing over 80,000 daily meals while transforming countless lives.
South Africa (25 June 2024) – South Africa faces a stark reality: poverty and hunger continue to plague millions, with nearly one in four households grappling with inadequate access to food.
In a landscape where the need is so vast, any effort to alleviate this crisis is crucial. This is where corporations play a pivotal role, stepping in to bridge the gap and make a tangible difference. KFC’s Add Hope initiative is a shining example of such an effort, having recently achieved a monumental milestone – raising R1 billion to combat hunger and malnutrition.
Add Hope, launched 15 years ago, encourages KFC customers to add a R2 donation to their bill. KFC matches these donations, and together, they have transformed lives.
This initiative has provided over 80,000 meals daily, directly impacting the lives of malnourished children across the nation. In 2023 alone, R64 million was raised through these R2 donations, resulting in over 32 million meals served.
Akhona Qengqe, General Manager of KFC Africa, highlights the collective power of small contributions, “We can all make a meaningful contribution towards that solution by donating something as seemingly small as R2,” Akhona explains.
Good Things Guy has witnessed the remarkable impact of Add Hope firsthand. One of the many heartwarming stories comes from Florence Khomo and the Sizanani Home. Florence has dedicated her life to looking after the lost and vulnerable kids in Soweto and helps feed over 450 little mouths every single day. The transformative power of Add Hope is evident in the improved health, school attendance, and social skills of the children supported by the programme.
An impact study conducted by Dr Tracey Toefey and DEZ Advisory Services further highlights the significance of Add Hope.
The research points to numerous positive outcomes, from enhanced physical health and reduced psychological stress to long-term social and economic progress. Add Hope partners with over 130 NGOs and community feeding schemes, ensuring that each meal served is nutritious, cost-effective, and culturally relevant. The testimonials from partners and beneficiaries alike paint a vivid picture of the programme’s success. Children who once faced severe malnutrition now thrive, attend school regularly, and engage socially. The initiative not only feeds but also educates, providing insight into the science of nutrition and its critical role in child development.
Onyi Nwaneri of Afrika Tikkun shares, “With KFC, we feed with intention, with insight into the science behind nutrition.”
The success stories are countless. From a young child recovering from severe kwashiorkor (a disease marked by severe protein malnutrition and bilateral extremity swelling) to a child whose eczema disappeared after receiving consistent meals, the impact is profound.
Beneficiaries express deep gratitude, with one 17-year-old stating, “The food I received was a lifeline. It helped me to survive, then it helped me to thrive.”
KFC’s commitment to the community extends beyond Add Hope. Initiatives like Mini Cricket and Ikusasa Lethu scholarships further demonstrate the company’s dedication to investing in the future of South Africa’s youth. The Streetwise Academy supports young people in obtaining their matric and diplomas, addressing youth unemployment head-on.
The success of Add Hope is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when corporations and communities work together. The R1 billion milestone is more than a number; it signifies countless lives transformed, futures brightened, and hopes restored.
As Qengqe aptly puts it, “The Add Hope impact report shows that we are making a vital difference and saving lives.”
Here’s to more milestones and continued progress in the fight against hunger.
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