5 Million Meals Later: A Journey of Purpose, Partnership & Impact
- King Kong
- 5 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Every meal served is more than just food in the stomach—it’s dignity restored, hope renewed and lives touched. Reaching 5,573,462 Meals Served is not just a milestone, it’s an Impact—a reflection of every hand, heart and home that has made this moment possible.
Where It All Began
It started with one pot, one idea and one moment of compassion in the streets of Johannesburg. That moment sparked what would become a powerful network of Doing Partners—women and community leaders who cook, serve and show up every day in informal settlements, inner cities and underserved neighbourhoods.
From our first soup kitchen to a growing network of 13 locations, 17 Doing Partners and 8 Giving Partners, this journey has been one of passion, purpose and perseverance.
Power in Partnership: Doing & Giving
Reaching 5,573,462 Meals Served and still counting! could never have happened without the unwavering collaboration between our Doing Partners and Giving Partners.
To our Doing Partners: You are the backbone of this mission. You’ve cooked in rain and heat, through load-shedding and personal hardship, yet you never stopped serving. Your community spirit and sacrifice are deeply honoured.
To our Giving Partners—from various companies that became consistent donors and food rescue organisations like SA Harvest, FoodForward SA, Rise Against Hunger, Chef's with Compassion, Fingertips of Africa and Genuine Food—thank you. Your belief in a hunger-free South Africa fuels our ability to reach those who need it most.
Every rescued crate, every donated litre of milk, every protein and every vegetable and fruit has nourished families, men, women and children in need. That our impact together!
How We Celebrated
We couldn’t let this moment pass quietly. Our celebration took place in Soweto, hosted by our Doing Partner. The day was filled with gratitude, warmth and joy.
There was dancing and singing, filled with children beaming with joy, food was a courtesy of our partners. It was more than a celebration; it was a testament to what can happen when people come together to serve.
What’s Next? 10 Million Meals—And Beyond
The work is far from over. Hunger is persistent, but so are we.
We’re scaling our model, launching more container kitchens, expanding our reach and strengthening our systems to hit our next target: 10 million meals served—with greater efficiency, accountability and love.
We invite new partners, funders and volunteers to join us. The more hands we have, the more tummies we can fill.
With Deepest Gratitude
To every volunteer, donor, Doing Partner and supporter—thank you. Whether you donated food, offered time, prayed with us or shared a story—you are part of these 5,573,462 Meals Served – And Counting meals.
Together, we are proving that a moment of kindness, when multiplied, becomes a movement of change.
Here's to the next million—and the millions after that.Because no one should go to bed hungry.
— The One Moment Foundation Team