Chefs with Compassion reach out

The spirit of Madiba was alive and well in the kitchens of many home cooks, chefs, corporates and communities over the weekend leading up to Mandela Day.

This is because Chefs with Compassion hosted their incredible #67000litres for Mandela Day Challenge again this year. This is a remarkable movement that’s supported by philanthropists all over the country, raising awareness of food waste and hunger, and feeding over 270 000 people every year.

Now in its third year, the #67000litres Challenge raises awareness of the fact that 12,3 million tonnes of food go to waste every year while 20 million people go hungry every day.

Each year a multitude of philanthropists across the nation pledge to spend 67 minutes or more cooking soup for the underprivileged people in their community. Ilona Jacobs was no exception when she participated in the challenge for a second year and pledged to contribute at least 20 litres of nutritious soup.

“Apart from the fact that I enjoy cooking, I always try to help the community’s most vulnerable where I can. Last year I made 14 litres of soup and this year I challenged myself to make at least 20 litres,” she said.

On Saturday, July 16 Ilona’s Helderkruin home was filled with the pleasant aromas of vegetables, beef and mutton when she went above and beyond by making a variety of soups not only to satisfy the hunger, but the taste buds too.

She subsequently filled 2.5 litre buckets with the soup which were distributed throughout the area with the help of the Kruin Community Volunteer Association Welfare Project group.

“I hope to participate in the project in the years to come. It’s always cold this time of year, and Mandela Day provides the perfect opportunity to open our hearts and give,” Ilona said.

Chefs with Compassion’s #67000litres Challenge is powered by AEG and Electrolux, whose MD, Murray Crow, was among the corporates cooking for the cause on Mandela Day.

“Experts estimate that millions of South Africans currently face concerning levels of food insecurity; a situation worsened by Covid-19, climate change, rising food prices etc. Our support for the #67000litres Challenge will provide nutritious meals to those who need it most, and hopefully raise awareness to encourage more people to reach out and give where they can,” Murray explained.

This year, the challenge has caught the attention of the foodie community, bringing an outpouring of support on social media from caring chefs and compassionate cooks, including Siba Mtongana, Thembisa Jordaan, Chef Naledi, Colleen Flowers, Vicky Ntshulana, Zamo Makhathini, and many more.

Needless to say, Madiba’s legacy of bringing people together is still living on through those passionate about helping their fellow man.