Australian MasterChef judges to pack food for charity

The Australian MasterChef judges, Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Matt Preston will host The Longest Dinner Table event in aid of Stop Hunger Now Southern Africa.

The event will take place at Sandton City Shopping Centre, outside Woolworths on the upper level, on 7 September from 5.30pm to 7.30pm and members of the public are invited to be part of the longest table and help pack meals for the homeless and hungry children. The MasterChef judges will mingle with packers, share their cooking secrets and there will be spot prizes on offer. There is no cover charge.

The meals are specially formulated according to the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef) standards and are fully balanced. The meals consist of soy, fortified with 23 essential minerals and vitamins, rice and a soup mix. Each bag only requires water and 30 to 40 minutes cooking time and supports 10 children.

Calombaris said, “As chefs, we have a role to play in focusing attention on world hunger and helping eradicate it. It’s not just about eating well, but ensuring that everyone has enough to eat.”

Saira Khan, chief executive officer of Stop Hunger Now Southern Africa said, “We conduct meal packaging events with volunteers because it is important to engage with as many people as possible in the effort to eradicate hunger.

“Our events also serve as a platform to educate people about hunger, what they can do about it, and to inspire them to take further action.”