Marriott and FoodForward SA Unite to Fight Hunger on World Food Day
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS WITH FOODFORWARD SA TO FIGHT HUNGER AND PROMOTE FOOD SUSTAINABILITY IN SOUTH AFRICA.
Marriott International partnered with FoodForward SA (FFSA) to fight hunger in South Africa on World Food Day. With over 30 million South Africans facing food insecurity daily, this collaboration aimed to make a significant impact. Over 50 volunteers from 17 Marriott hotels joined FFSA’s “Fill the Gap” campaign, packing 450 pallets of food, equal to 1.8 million meals, for vulnerable communities nationwide.
Marriott employees actively supported FFSA’s mission by sorting and packaging essential foods such as rice, maize meal, and peanut butter. This effort aligned with the World Food Day theme, “The Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future.” It emphasized the need to reduce food waste while ensuring access to nutritious meals.
Johann Nortje, Chairperson of Marriott’s Southern Africa Business Council, emphasized the importance of the initiative. “Food insecurity is a critical challenge in South Africa, and partnering with FoodForward SA allows us to help bridge that gap,” he stated. Nortje highlighted Marriott’s commitment to making a positive impact through collective action.
Volunteers from various Marriott brands, including Protea Hotels by Marriott, Marriott Hotels, The Westin, AC by Marriott, Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott, and Autograph Collection, participated in events across Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. These efforts showcased Marriott’s dedication to supporting local communities.
Additionally, chefs and trainee chefs joined cook-offs in these cities. They demonstrated how nutritious meals could be prepared using ingredients distributed to communities. These activities not only displayed culinary skills of FoodForward SA but also highlighted the issue of food insecurity.
This initiative is part of Marriott’s broader commitment to sustainability and community support. The company continues to back local efforts addressing hunger and promoting equitable food systems.
About Marriott International
Marriott International, headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, boasts nearly 8,900 properties across 30+ brands in 141 countries. Marriott operates and franchises hotels worldwide, also licensing vacation ownership resorts. The company’s travel program, Marriott Bonvoy®, offers members a vast portfolio, exclusive experiences, and benefits like free nights and Elite status recognition.