For over 60 years, Meals on Wheels has been a lifeline to the most vulnerable members of our society 

Making a difference 

Meals on Wheels South Africa is a non-profit organisation driven by a powerful vision: a hunger-free South Africa. They pay it forward by lending a hand to the elderly and less privileged through the daily delivery of nutritious, home-cooked meals. 

The mission is to uplift lives through ‘charity in motion’, delivering not just meals but dignity, compassion and hope.  

“What began in 1964 with just 12 meals has grown into a national movement — now serving over 37-million meals annually,” says PR manager Erika Botha. “With over 700 community kitchens supported by experienced staff and dedicated volunteers, our reach spans every province. Meals are cooked with care, delivered with love, and made possible through the generosity of people like you.” 

60 years of excellence 

Built on the core values of justice, excellence and love, the organisation has spent the last six decades serving communities in need. Experienced kitchen managers and dedicated teams prepare meals daily for thousands of beneficiaries across the country. Every kitchen is run according to high standards of service delivery and nutritional care. 

“We support these kitchens through ongoing fundraising efforts. Donations help to buy the ingredients, fund operations and enable the preparation and distribution of meals to the less privileged — especially the elderly, many of whom have been left without family support. Our work not only feeds people but also restores their sense of dignity and belonging,” Erika says.  

Each province in South Africa is served by an area head office. Meals on Wheels’ network of volunteer cooks, drivers and helpers ensures that meals are delivered on scheduled days to those who need them most.  

Supporting our communities 

 “Beyond feeding the hungry, we strive to uplift entire communities. Our projects include the planting of vegetable gardens and urban farms, where volunteers teach people how to grow their own food and become more self-reliant,” says Erika.  

“We also provide emotional support through our volunteers and social workers, offering a caring hand to those facing hardship,” she continues.  

Poverty and hunger in our country is a constant hardship. Many elderly are sadly left living alone and isolated. Many families are struggling. “Meals on Wheels is determined to do more, but the organisation can’t do it alone,” says Erika. 

 “The Club Cares donation will help us provide more meals to those in need, support our kitchen operations across South Africa, empower communities with skills and support, and restore dignity to those who feel forgotten,” Erika notes. 

 “Together, we can make a lasting difference, feeding hope and ending hunger… We can continue to expand our reach with the help of public donations and awareness campaigns on social-media platforms.”  

The organisation believes in the power of love, community and collective action. With the support of generous South Africans, Meals on Wheels can continue to bring hope to the hungry, dignity to the forgotten, and take another step towards ending hunger. 

“Beyond feeding the hungry, we strive to uplift entire communities” 

Do you know of a deserving charity? 

See page 70 to find out how you can nominate a registered non-profit organisation to receive a donation of R30 000. If your NPO is chosen in the random selection draw, you’ll receive R1 500 as a thank-you. 

Photography by: Supplied
Text courtesy of Club magazine